GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Police in Ubud have arrested a repeat offender in connection with a burglary targeting a villa occupied by foreign tourists in the tourism area of Singakerta Village, Ubud.
The suspect, identified by initials RD (23), was detained less than 24 hours after the incident following a police investigation that tracked him to Kuta, Badung Regency.
Ubud Police Chief Commissioner I Wayan Putra Antara confirmed on Thursday (May 7) that the victim was a French student named Dorian Balandras, who had been staying at Alam Tapan Ubud Rice Field Villa in Banjar Tebongkang.
The burglary is believed to have occurred early Tuesday morning (May 5) at around 05:10 WITA.
The victim and companions discovered the theft after several high-value items disappeared from their rooms, including a Sony ILCE-7M4 camera, a DJI drone, a PlayStation 5 console, AirPods, passports, visas, and backpacks containing personal belongings.
Police estimated the total losses at more than IDR 95 million.
“Following the report, our officers moved quickly. In less than 24 hours, the suspect was successfully arrested in Kuta along with the evidence,” Putra Antara said.
After receiving the complaint, Ubud Criminal Investigation officers conducted a crime scene investigation and collected witness statements, which eventually led authorities to a boarding house in Gang Purwosari, Kuta.
Working together with local officers, police arrested the suspect without resistance.
During questioning, RD allegedly admitted to carrying out the villa burglary in Ubud as well as other thefts in Gianyar, Badung, and Denpasar.
Police also confiscated several items believed to be linked to the crime, including the Sony camera, drone, PlayStation 5, AirPods, and clothing allegedly worn during the burglary.
Authorities stated that the suspect is a repeat offender who frequently targeted villas occupied by foreign tourists.
RD is currently being held at Ubud Police detention facilities for further investigation and faces charges under Article 477 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code regarding aggravated theft, carrying a maximum prison sentence of seven years.
Police urged villa operators and tourists to remain vigilant, particularly regarding property access and room security.
“We ask both residents and tourists to ensure doors and access points are securely locked. Police will continue increasing patrols in vulnerable areas to maintain security, especially in tourism zones across Ubud,” Putra Antara added.