DISCLAIMER: This article addresses a sensitive topic. If you or someone you know is experiencing distress or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis support service immediately.
BADUNG, Bali — For the second time in recent memory, the towering Tukad Bangkung Bridge in Pelaga has been the site of a profound tragedy. A 21-year-old man, identified by his initials MKA, is believed to have died by suicide at the location early Friday morning, January 2, 2026.
The incident came to light when local residents discovered a seemingly abandoned motorcycle parked at the roadside near the bridge at approximately 6:32 a.m. A pair of sandals, carefully placed on the southern side guardrail, raised immediate alarm.
Confirming the death, Petang Police Chief AKP I Nyoman Arnaya stated that the man’s body was found approximately 60 meters below the bridge deck. “Based on CCTV footage, the individual was seen passing the location at around 2:30 a.m.,” Chief Arnaya explained at the scene.
The investigation took a definitive turn when officers from the police’s Crime Scene Unit examined the young man’s mobile phone. They discovered a WhatsApp message sent to his parents around 3:00 a.m., containing an apology and indicating his location. This message followed a final phone call to his family.
A joint search team of police and community members located the body at 7:51 a.m. in the ravine on the southern side of the bridge. The challenging, steep terrain made the recovery operation arduous, lasting about an hour and a half. The body was evacuated by 10:15 a.m. and transported to Mangusada Regional Hospital in Badung.
While the precise motive remains under formal investigation, preliminary evidence strongly suggests severe personal distress. “From the message on his phone, there was an apology to his parents. We suspect this was related to family issues,” Chief Arnaya stated, adding that the family has been notified and has accepted the incident.
The Tukad Bangkung Bridge, an impressive infrastructural feat, has unfortunately gained a solemn reputation. This latest incident has reignited conversations within the community about mental health awareness and the need for accessible support systems, particularly for young people in Bali.
Hey Bali News urges anyone struggling with emotional distress or suicidal thoughts to please seek help. You are not alone. Support is available through local mental health professionals, clinics, or international crisis hotlines.
