The key facts
- Denpasar police detained seven suspects in attacks on foreign tourists; damage is estimated at hundreds of millions of rupiah
- Tourists were advised not to wear conspicuous jewelry, keep bags away from the road, and avoid night walks
- Six districts of Bali, including tourist areas, are at risk of coastal flooding from November 8 to 11
Attacks on tourists and arrests
Attacks on foreign travelers have become more frequent in Bali's popular tourist areas: perpetrators on motorcycles snatch gold chains, bags and other valuables from pedestrians. This was reported by Life.ru citing a press conference held by the Denpasar police, where deputy chief I Ketut Widiarta spoke.
How the robbers operate and what the police advise
The criminals target people traveling on foot or by bicycle: riding up on a motorcycle, they grab jewelry or bags and flee. Items in bicycle baskets and bags worn over the shoulder are also at risk. Police detained seven suspects: six carried out attacks in the Kuta area of Badung regency, and one in Sanur. All the victims were foreign tourists, and the total damage is preliminarily estimated at hundreds of millions of Indonesian rupiah.
Recommendations for vacationers
I Ketut Widiarta advised against displaying expensive jewelry on the streets, avoiding walking at night, and carrying a bag on the side away from the road. Another warning concerns offers of rides from strangers: according to the police representative, such an offer may be used to get close to a victim and steal their belongings. Tourists are advised to use official transport services and exercise particular caution after dark.
Threat of coastal flooding
In addition to the criminal threat, Bali warned of possible coastal flooding due to unusually high tides. Six districts are at risk, including popular tourist destinations. According to the forecast, elevated sea levels will persist from November 8 to 11. Cahyo Nugroho, head of the regional office of the BMKG meteorological agency in Denpasar, explained that maximum water levels in different locations do not coincide in time: the exact moment of high tide depends on the location of a particular stretch of coastline.
