BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Police have arrested a foreign national following an assault incident at the International Departure Terminal of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Sunday night, January 18, 2026.
The suspect, identified by the initials PDH (59), an Australian citizen, was taken into custody shortly after the incident near the scene. The victim, MW (58), is a British national who was at the airport awaiting departure.
Public Relations Officer of the Airport Police, I Gede Suka Artana, said the incident occurred at around 11:30 pm WITA inside a restaurant located in the international departure area.
“The suspect has been charged under Article 466 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code and is currently being detained for further investigation,” he said on Wednesday, January 21.
According to police, the victim, who resides in West Denpasar, was waiting at the restaurant when the suspect suddenly pushed him, causing him to hit a wall. The suspect then ordered the victim to remove his glasses before striking him from behind.
“As a result of the assault, the victim felt dizzy and experienced discomfort that disrupted his activities. The initial motive is suspected to be a personal offense or misunderstanding between the two individuals,” Suka Artana explained.
Two witnesses at the scene, identified as PAA and AD, confirmed seeing the suspect assault the victim. Police officers responded by receiving the report, escorting the victim for a medical examination, questioning the victim, witnesses, and suspect, conducting a crime scene investigation, reviewing CCTV footage, and securing evidence including travel documents.
The suspect has been officially detained at the Airport Police Detention Facility since January 20, 2026, and will remain in custody for up to 20 days pending further investigation.
The Polres Kawasan Bandara I Gusti Ngurah Rai reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law to maintain safety and public order within the airport area, ensuring that airport operations remain secure and orderly.