BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Police in Bali are continuing their investigation into the fatal stabbing of a Dutch national in Kerobokan, with new findings revealing the victim had only stayed at the villa for three days prior to the attack.
The victim, identified as RP (49), was killed at Villa Amira in Banjar Anyar Kelod, North Kuta, on Monday night (March 23, 2026). Authorities confirmed that while the victim had been living in Bali since 2024, he had only recently moved into the villa where the incident occurred.
Badung Police Chief AKBP Joseph Edward Purba said investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the attack through witness statements and crime scene analysis.
“We are continuing efforts to locate the suspects while coordinating with relevant authorities in case they attempt to leave Bali or Indonesia,” he stated on Wednesday (March 25).
Police believe two individuals were involved in the attack. However, their identities and whether they are Indonesian nationals or foreigners remain under investigation. Authorities are also examining whether there was any interaction or conversation between the suspects and the victim prior to the assault.
“We hope to uncover more details, including whether there was any communication before the incident, based on witness accounts and possible CCTV evidence,” Joseph added.
Initial findings show the victim first visited Bali in 2022 and had traveled in and out of the island before eventually residing there since 2024. Investigators are also looking into the victim’s business activities in Bali, although details have not yet been confirmed.
Police are coordinating with the relevant consulate regarding unverified information about the victim’s possible background abroad, while also exploring the possibility of a premeditated attack.
So far, at least five witnesses have been questioned, including the victim’s partner, nearby residents, and individuals who passed the area at the time of the incident. Authorities noted that the victim’s partner remains in shock following the attack.
According to witness accounts, the victim had been walking with his partner while bringing two dogs and checking an electricity meter near one of the villas shortly before the incident. As he returned toward the villa, the two suspects suddenly approached and carried out the attack.
Police suspect the perpetrators may have been monitoring the victim’s movements prior to the incident.
“Based on witness statements, the victim had no known conflicts. We hope the suspects are still in Bali and have not left Indonesia,” Joseph said.
A joint task force involving Badung Police Criminal Unit and North Kuta Police has been deployed to handle the case as the search for the two suspects continues.
The victim was previously rushed to BIMC Hospital with multiple severe injuries, including deep wounds to the face, head, neck, and other parts of the body. He later died despite medical treatment.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify the suspects and establish the motive behind the attack.