KLUNGKUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – A 40-year-old French national, identified by the initials PBE, was briefly detained by local residents after allegedly taking several ceramic jars from a traditional cemetery (setra) in Suana Village. The incident occurred on Wednesday (December 24, 2025) and was later reported to the police.
According to I Ketut Kesuma Jaya, Chief of the Nusa Penida Police Sector, the jars were traditional earthenware items commonly used to hold tirta (holy water) within the cemetery area.
“The jars were old ceramic containers typically used for holy water at the setra. They were weathered and still had soil attached,” he said on Thursday (December 25).
The foreign national was first noticed riding a motorcycle along the road leading to Pura Pucak Sari in Suana Village, an access route that is restricted and rarely used by the public. His presence raised suspicion among residents, which increased after they observed him carrying several small clay jars.
Initially, the man claimed that he had purchased the jars in Kintamani. However, residents doubted the explanation due to the worn condition of the items. After further questioning, he admitted that he had taken the jars from the cemetery and intended to reuse them as plant pots in his garden.
“After being pressed, the foreign national admitted he took the jars from the setra for use as plant pots,” Kesuma added.
Because the items originated from a community cemetery, the case was formally reported to the Nusa Penida Police. Officers arrived at the location to ensure the situation remained calm and under control.
Authorities later resolved the matter through mediation at the Banjar Hall of Suana Village, involving police officers, village officials, and local community leaders. The mediation process aimed to restore harmony and address the incident in accordance with local customs and community agreement.