BULELENG, DEWATA.NEWS – Police in Bali have officially named a British national as a suspect in the stabbing of a hotel employee in the Menjangan tourism area, despite findings that the suspect has a history of schizophrenia.
The suspect, identified by initials AM (36), was formally detained on Friday (May 8, 2026) following further investigation into the assault case in Pejarakan Village, Gerokgak District, Buleleng Regency.
Buleleng Police Chief AKBP Ruzi Gusman said psychological examinations confirmed the suspect had a history of mental health disorder, but medical evaluations concluded he was still fit to undergo legal proceedings.
“Psychological examination results show there is a history of schizophrenia. However, we have requested a doctor’s assessment, and the suspect has been declared stable,” Ruzi said on Friday in Buleleng.
Police stated that AM’s psychological history would not stop the criminal investigation process.
“Today, he has officially been named a suspect and directly placed in detention,” Ruzi added.
Investigators admitted they initially faced difficulties during questioning because the suspect’s statements frequently changed and lacked consistency. The situation prompted police to conduct a deeper psychological assessment.
Authorities also discovered several medications believed to be antidepressants inside the suspect’s belongings.
Despite this, police emphasized that both foreign nationals and Indonesian citizens are subject to equal legal treatment under Indonesian law.
“Foreign nationals and Indonesian citizens are equal before the law. There is no special treatment or leniency. Everything is processed according to Indonesian legal procedures,” Ruzi stressed.
AM is currently being held at Buleleng Police headquarters while investigators prepare the case file for transfer to the Buleleng District Prosecutor’s Office.
The case is a continuation of the earlier stabbing incident involving a resort employee identified by initials IBP at a hotel in Pejarakan on Monday night (May 5, 2026).
According to police, the incident began after the suspect arrived at the hotel parking area in a white Suzuki Fronx vehicle. The victim, who worked at the front office, approached the suspect to ask about his purpose at the property.
An argument reportedly followed before the suspect allegedly attacked the victim with a sharp weapon.
The victim suffered injuries to the left temple and hand area before the suspect fled the scene.
Police later tracked and arrested AM in Gilimanuk, Jembrana Regency, on the same night as the attack.