A freelance taxi driver was arrested in Bali on Sunday, 15th January, for stealing a tourist’s luggage. Putu Agus Sucipto, 40, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Regional Police of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport after stealing the bags of Russian traveler Ekaterina Venglovskala, 40. The Russian tourist reported her luggage missing when she arrived at her hotel in Jimbaran, South Kuta, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police arrested Sucipto at 1 pm on Sunday afternoon. Confirming the details of the arrest to reporters on Tuesday, 17th January, the Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the Regional Police I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, IPTU Rionson Ritonga, said, “Chronologically, the victim landed at Ngurah Rai Airport, Sunday 15th at 01.40 WITA. Found out that her goods were missing at 03.00 WITA. Sunday afternoon at 11.00, WITA reported officially to the Police. At 13.00 WITA, the perpetrator was arrested.”
Police used CCTV footage from Bali Airport to identify Sucipto and pinpoint the moment he stole the bags. Police at the airport were easily able to identify Sucipto as he was a regular freelance driver at the airport.
Police tracked Sucipto down and found him in possession of Venglovskala’s bag. He was arrested and taken to the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Area Police Headquarters for interrogation. After two days in police custody, Sucipto was bought to a restorative justice meeting with Venglovskala.
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The Russian tourist was willing to forgive Supito and has not pressed charges. All of her belongings have been returned in good condition. Local reports suggest that Venglovskala did not want the hassle of pursuing criminal charges against the freelance taxi driver.
Ritonga told the media, “The victim wants to forgive the perpetrator. Even though restorative justice is resolved, they still follow the procedure. For example, making a statement not to repeat similar acts. Both the perpetrator and the victim are each accompanied by legal advisors as witnesses.”
Restorative justice mediations are reasonably common in Bali, especially in incidences of theft. In June 2022, an American tourist agreed to restorative justice measures after his wallet was stolen by a local man.
Speaking at the time, the Head of the Jembrana District Attorney, Salomina Meyke Saliama, told the media, ‘This suspect committed the crime of stealing a wallet belonging to a foreign national who was on vacation. The reason was to meet the necessities of life, such as buying rice and diapers for his children. And after we mediated, the victim finally forgave the perpetrator, and it ended peacefully.
Though the case of Sucipto and Venglovskala is a rare example of crime, news of a freelance driver committing a crime against a tourist doesn’t help promote confidence for the general public after police officials have called on tourists to hire local drivers to help make the roads safer. Following three major traffic collisions in the space of a week, resulting in two fatalities and multiple serious injuries, police in Bali are urging tourists to hire local drivers.
On the 16th of January, the Head of Public Relations for Bali Regional Police, Chief Stefan Satake Bayu Setianto, called on tourists to prioritize safety on Bali’s accident-prone roads. He said, “For tourists in Bali, if you want to use a motorbike or car rental service, the most important requirement is to [know] the vehicle and have an official license. If necessary, [hire] the driver is from a Bali…It will be easier if the local driver is driving their vehicle, those who know the Bali area.”
Setianto issued further statements on 18th January, reminding local business owners who rent out mopeds, motorbikes, and cars to take extra precautions before leasing their vehicles. He said, “Before they rent out vehicles, [rental owners are urged to] brief customers – be it foreigners or local tourists – to always follow traffic rules such as wearing a helmet, bringing their driver’s license, wearing seatbelts, not using their phones while driving, and prioritizing safety.”
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Christine
Tuesday 31st of January 2023
What next?
Jwest
Thursday 19th of January 2023
The way you “ restore justice ” is to take harsh actions against the perpetrator that are so severe he’ll never dream about stealing again. Singapore has a very effective “ Justice system”. The criminal is punished severely with incarceration and regular caning. Thailand similarity has a penal system so hellish that no one ever wants to go back for a second term. I’ve seen big men tear up remembering long prison sentences for the simplest of crimes. Bali doesn’t need apologies from criminals, Bali needs tears.
Randy
Friday 20th of January 2023
@Jwest, what about the Aussie who avoided the death penalty for smuggling heroin into Bali from Vietnam. The local judge made a decision that his intention was for personal consumption use and not for sale. That's a first!! The Aussie drug addict will be sent for drug rehab for 8 months instead. He has lived in Bali on and off. I am sure the Aussies are happy about that otherwise we all won't hear the last of it especially it is one of their own. Sigh...
Exp
Thursday 19th of January 2023
Quote "Local reports suggest that [the Russian] did not want the hassle of pursuing criminal charges against the freelance taxi driver."
This is the key: There is a local saying "Report a stolen chicken and loose a goat". The Russians have enough street smart to understand how Indonesian police operate.
The message is out to all would be Bali criminals: Too much of a hassle for foreigners to pursue criminal charges, so in the worst case (if caught) sign a piece paper and then off the hook. Maybe this concept should be highlighted in tourist information campaigns.
Exp
Saturday 21st of January 2023
Not pessimistic. Just honest and realistic, like the locals!
Randy
Friday 20th of January 2023
@Exp, perhaps she has a change of heart with this thief. Have you ever thought of that instead of being so pessimistic. It's not always about black and white in life. Give them the benefit of the doubt if you have lived 20 damn years in Bali.
Wayan Bo
Thursday 19th of January 2023
Domestic crime rates will reach those from Port Moresby in Papua if public punishment of criminals will not start soon.