GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Police in Gianyar have arrested a suspect in a violent snatching case that targeted a foreign tourist in the Ubud area, while one accomplice remains at large.
The case was uncovered by a joint team from the Ubud Police Criminal Investigation Unit and the Gianyar Police Criminal Investigation Division. One suspect, identified as a 20-year-old local resident, has been taken into custody, while another suspect is still on the wanted list.
The incident occurred on Sunday (25 January 2026) when the victim, a 25-year-old tourist from Switzerland, was riding a motorcycle from the Goa Gajah area toward Tegallalang. While passing along Jalan Tirta Tawar in Petulu Village, the victim was approached by two people riding a motorcycle.
“One of the perpetrators forcefully pulled the gold necklace worn by the victim until it broke. As a result, the victim suffered material losses estimated at IDR 91 million,” said Ubud Police Chief Kompol I Wayan Putra Antara on Sunday (1 February).
Following the report, police officers conducted a crime scene investigation and reviewed CCTV footage along the suspects’ escape route. Through digital evidence analysis, investigators were able to identify key characteristics of the perpetrators.
The arrested suspect was later tracked down and detained at his hideout in Tianyar Village, Kubu District, Karangasem. Police seized several items, including the motorcycle used during the crime, a hoodie jacket, and CCTV recordings related to the case.
During questioning, the suspect admitted to committing the crime together with an accomplice identified by the initials WD, who is still being pursued by authorities.
“One suspect with the initials WD is still on the run. We are continuing intensive efforts to locate and arrest him,” Kompol Putra Antara said.
The suspect has been charged under Article 479 paragraph (1), in conjunction with Article 477 paragraph (1) letter g of the Criminal Code. If found guilty, he faces a maximum prison sentence of up to 12 years.
In response to the incident, police have urged both tourists and local residents to remain vigilant, particularly while traveling by motorcycle. Authorities advised against wearing excessive jewelry in public and encouraged the public to immediately report any criminal activity through the national emergency number 110 or the Ubud Police service channels.