A retired U.S. military serviceman has been formally charged with aggravated assault after allegedly attacking the manager of a Canggu resort, causing severe facial injuries, including a fractured jaw.
Brant Robert Joyce, whose military service record has not been disclosed by Indonesian authorities, faces charges under Article 351 paragraph (2) of Indonesia’s Criminal Code, which addresses aggravated physical violence. The indictment was read at Denpasar District Court on Friday, 16 May, according to court reporting cited by detikBali.
Confrontation escalated after hotel disturbance
The incident occurred on 16 February at North Wing Canggu Resort, where Joyce was a guest.
According to the indictment, hotel manager I Made Dwiantara was alerted to a disturbance by staff member Ni Kadek Risma Marcella Zaliani, who reported that a guest had become uncontrollably aggressive.
When Dwiantara arrived on the scene, he found Joyce berating another hotel employee, I Gusti Agung Gede Wirajaya.
As Dwiantara attempted to defuse the situation, Joyce allegedly struck Wirajaya in the nose with his left hand.
The confrontation escalated further as Joyce moved toward the hotel’s kitchen area, where he was suspected of attempting to retrieve a sharp object.
It was in the kitchen that Dwiantara noticed Joyce’s glasses had fallen to the ground and tried to hand them back. Prosecutors say Joyce then turned and punched Dwiantara in the upper lip with a closed left fist.
Victim suffered serious injuries
Dwiantara sought immediate medical attention at RSUP Prof Dr IGNG Ngoerah hospital in Denpasar. A medical report revealed he had suffered an open wound to the lip and gums, a fractured upper right jawbone, and a dislodged front tooth.
Joyce remains in custody as the trial proceeds. The court has not yet set a sentencing date. Under Indonesian law, a conviction under the charged statute could result in up to five years’ imprisonment.
Neither Joyce nor legal counsel representing him have issued a public statement regarding the allegations. The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta declined to comment, citing privacy and consular policies.
