GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Police in Ubud have arrested a 31-year-old man suspected of stealing cash belonging to a tourist staying at a resort in Lodtunduh Village, Gianyar Regency.
The suspect, identified by the initials UM, a resident of Banyuwangi in East Java, was taken into custody by officers from the Ubud Criminal Investigation Unit following a police investigation into the theft.
Ubud Police Chief Kompol I Wayan Putra Antara confirmed the arrest on Saturday (6/6).
“The Ubud Police operational team has secured a suspect identified as UM along with related evidence. He is currently undergoing further investigation,” Putra Antara said.
According to police, the incident began on the night of 3 June 2026 when the victim and extended family checked into the resort. The victim stayed in Room 6 together with a sibling identified by the initials SSR.
Before going to sleep, the victim reportedly stored cash amounting to USD 600 and INR 2,000 inside a wallet placed in a bag. An additional IDR 3.4 million was kept inside a desk drawer in the room.
The following morning, at around 9:00 a.m., the victim and sibling left the room to have breakfast at the resort restaurant.
When they returned at approximately 10:15 a.m., the victim noticed that the wallet had been moved from its original position.
“After checking the wallet, the victim discovered that the US dollars and Indian rupees were missing. The victim then checked the desk drawer and found that the Indonesian cash had also disappeared,” Putra Antara explained.
The total loss was estimated at approximately IDR 14.6 million.
Following the report, investigators conducted a crime scene examination and interviewed witnesses at the resort.
Police said witness statements indicated that the suspect was seen fleeing through the rear section of the property toward a nearby bush area.
Officers immediately carried out a search around the resort and along Jalan Raya Silungan and Abianseka Mas before locating and detaining the suspect.
“During questioning, UM admitted to stealing the money from Room 6,” the police chief said.
Authorities recovered the stolen cash, including USD 600, INR 2,000, and IDR 3.4 million.
Investigators said the suspect took advantage of the room being vacant while the occupants were having breakfast.
The suspect has been charged under Indonesia’s criminal code for theft, which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years.