GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Police in Ubud have arrested a man suspected of carrying out a violent theft targeting a foreign tourist, following an investigation into a snatching incident that occurred late last year.
The suspect, identified as TR (39) from Karangasem, was apprehended on Tuesday (April 7, 2026) at a boarding house in South Denpasar. The arrest followed a report filed by a French tourist who was robbed in Ubud.
The incident took place on November 3, 2025, at around 23:00 WITA on Jalan Sukma Kesuma, Peliatan. At the time, the victim was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle when the suspect approached while wearing an online ride-hailing jacket.
The suspect allegedly forced the motorcycle closer and quickly grabbed the victim’s mobile phone before fleeing the scene. The loss was estimated at IDR 13.3 million.
Ubud Police Chief Kompol I Wayan Putra Antara confirmed that the arrest was the result of ongoing field investigations and witness interviews.
“Based on investigation results and field information, the team successfully traced the suspect’s location in South Denpasar. During the arrest, the suspect was cooperative and admitted to the crime,” he said.
Police secured several pieces of evidence, including the victim’s Samsung Galaxy S23 FE smartphone, the ride-hailing jacket used during the crime, and the motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspect.
The suspect and evidence have been taken to Ubud Police Station for further investigation. He is being charged under Article 476 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Authorities also urged both residents and tourists to remain vigilant, especially when traveling at night, and to be cautious with personal belongings in public areas.