Tourism officials in Bali have given their assurances that safety is a top priority after two tourists were attacked in a drive-by robbery in the Uluwatu area.
The two young women from Spain escaped with minor injuries.
Following a drive-by mugging of two tourists in Uluwatu, Pecatu Village, in Bali, the Head of the community has spoken to the media to confirm that the area is safe and tourists will always be cared for.
The head of Pecatu Traditional Village, Made Sumerta, told reporters, “In Pecatu, we know that it is an area for tourists to stay, both for short and permanent periods. Many tourists live in Pecatu, so that way, there are guests who enjoy nature by walking.”
He added, “As a whole, Pecatu is still safe; we should not generalize unsafe conditions because of just one or two incidents. This is just one problem like this and it could make Pecatu’s image not good. However, in general, I would say that Pecatu is still safe and comfortable to visit.”
Sumerta is calling on the authorities, tourism providers, and tourists to be proactive in keeping Uluwatu and Bali more broadly safe and crime-free. He reminded tourists of long-standing advice to keep valuable items out of view when walking down the road or driving motorcycles.
Bags should always be kept stashed away in the under-seat storage, and tourists must adhere to Indonesian traffic law and wear a helmet and suitable clothes for driving.
It’s not advisable to wear over-the-shoulder bags that can be easily snatched or ripped away.
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Sumerta confirmed that local security teams will be increasing patrols throughout the resort and community streets to ensure that potential criminals are deterred from the area.
He said, “We also hope and urge both lodging operators and those who accommodate guests to provide more detailed information to tourists so that they are more careful when carrying goods.”
The incident in question took place on Jalan Raya Uluwatu at 10 am on Monday, 25th March. Two Spanish tourists known by their initials BS, 23, and AS, 24, were mugged by a man driving a Yamaha Jupiter motorcycle as they left their accommodation to explore the area.
@jannedhuyvetter 📣 10 things you should do in Uluwatu! Uluwatu has literally everything a traveller is looking for. Both cheap and fancier options. The best surf, amazing food, fun parties, beautiful temples and stunning beaches. 1. Balangan beach is a reefbreak for beginners to advanced surfers. You can rent a board in 1 of the warungs for 60000 IDR (€3,72). 2. The entrance fee for Uluwatu Temple is 50000 IDR (€3,10). Wear a long skirt or get one for free at the entrance. It is an absolute highlight. Be prepared for a lot of people and monkeys. 3. If you don't want to watch the sunset with thousands of people, go to Karang Boma cliff. The entrance fee is 5000 IDR (€0,31). 4. Hatch is in the middle of the center and has great parties. Especially on Fridays they have techno parties. 5. The Loft offers a wide range of healthy food, juices and coffees. I bet you want to try everything on the menu. 6. You can watch a traditional Balinese Kecak fire dance during sunset at the Uluwatu Temple for 135000 IDR (€8,37). Better book your tickets in advance. 7. Green Bowl beach has 2 caves to explore which are just stunning. 8. Go to a beachclub like Ulu Cliffhouse. You pay an entrance fee but you can hang out at the pool the whole day. There's good food, views and wifi if you need to do some work. They also organise musicevents. 9. There are plenty of places where you can get a proper Balinese massage. Go for it after surfing or when you have a hangover. 10. The cultural park GWK is home of one of the iconic landmarks in Bali. At the entrance you can see a 121m high statue of a Hindu god called Vishnu. Explore the real culture and join one of their many performances. 💚 Janne | Digital Nomad Adventures #bali #uluwatu #traveltips #solofemaletraveler #digitalnomad ♬ origineel geluid – jannedhuyvetter
The criminal attempted to snatch the tourist’s valuables, including the necklaces around their necks. Shocked by the attack, the two women fought to defend themselves, both ending up with abrasions and bruises in the process.
The criminal then got into a fight with another tourist who had seen the attack happening and had jumped in to help.
Speaking to reporters, Denpasar Police Public Relations Head AKP I Ketut Sukadi said that the police have opened up a case and are searching for the man in question.
AKP Sukadi said, “Local residents who knew about the incident immediately came to the crime scene. They took the perpetrator’s motorbike to the local village office.”
“On the other hand, when they found out there was an incident, South Kuta Police officers immediately went to the location to carry out a crime scene investigation and dig up information about the witnesses.”
He added, “The perpetrator is still being chased. Meanwhile, the two victims were being treated at the Bhakti Vedanta Medical Clinic.’
Officers have confirmed that they have traced the criminal via the motorbike’s license plate.
Uluwatu is one of the busiest and fastest growing tourist resorts in Bali.
This kind of crime has been reported more frequently in areas like Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta.
With security teams now doubling down on patrols, tourists should feel safe and comfortable to explore. Tourists who have become victims of a crime in Bali should always report the incident to the police as soon as possible.
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J West
Thursday 28th of March 2024
This kind of frenzied attack is likely meth related. Find out who is behind the growth in crack .
Shorty
Sunday 31st of March 2024
@Bob,
Meth use in Bali is nowhere near as prevalent as you suggest.
You want place titles? Sydney is the cocaine capital of Australia. Almost 2 tonnes were sniffed last year. It's estimated around 6% use it.
Add in heroin, speed, mdma and others.
Shorty
Sunday 31st of March 2024
@J West,
Yes some crimes like this are drug related just like many other countries. Many are not. It's economic. No work or financial support, steal and flog stuff.
Bob
Friday 29th of March 2024
@J West, Well said, the island of the gods is to be renamed Island of crack heads
Karen
Thursday 28th of March 2024
"Tourists who have become victims of a crime in Bali should always report to the police as soon possible". Ha, what a joke. I had a brand new car stolen 8 years ago and it took 6 years before the police would make my report. And for 2 years now they do nothing. Bali police are for Balinese. They do not help us. Commie Minnie, i have not forgotten you.
Wayan Bo
Thursday 28th of March 2024
Anyway Cartier is celebrating 100 years of Trinity, if can’t walk with Cartier jewelry safe, it isn’t good place for first class tourists.
Bob
Friday 29th of March 2024
@Wayan Bo, only way to stay safe is to dress like you are homeless, but even then the locals will perceive you have no money for the to rip you off so they will make up some tale which the police will beleive to get you deported
J West
Friday 29th of March 2024
@Wayan Bo, How much is a Balinese funeral ?