DENPASAR, Bali — A viral social media video accusing Bali’s Denpasar police chief of confiscating a man’s mobile phone has sparked debate online, but Indonesian police say the footage tells only part of the story.
The incident unfolded after officers responded to a reported assault and criminal intimidation case at the Bali Sun Tropical Hotel & Spa in Legian, Kuta, late on Saturday night.
According to police, the man featured in the video, identified only by his initials FVK, later claimed to be a journalist. However, authorities said he was not at the police station in that capacity but as the reported party in an ongoing criminal investigation.
Police Say the Situation Was Escalating
Denpasar Police Chief Leonardo David Simatupang said officers were initially called to investigate a dispute that allegedly escalated into threats and the throwing of objects.
Witnesses told investigators that FVK allegedly threatened another man and was seen carrying an object resembling a brass knuckle before both parties were escorted to Kuta Police Station for questioning.
Police also alleged that FVK arrived at the station while apparently under the influence of alcohol and carrying a bottle of liquor.
While at the station, both men reportedly began arguing again and recording each other on their mobile phones, apparently intending to publish the confrontation on social media.
“We Asked Them to Stop Recording”
Leonardo said he arrived at the police station shortly before 2 a.m. to supervise the case and calm the situation.
Rather than confiscating anyone’s phone, he said, he instructed both parties to temporarily stop recording and place their devices on the table so officers could conduct interviews without further disruption.
“We did not seize or confiscate anyone’s mobile phone,” Leonardo said. “We simply wanted the clarification process to proceed quickly and calmly.”
Police stressed that the request was intended to maintain order during an active criminal investigation and was not an attempt to interfere with legitimate journalistic work.
Claim of Being a Journalist
Authorities said FVK identified himself as a journalist during the incident.
However, police said he was unable to produce a press identification card or an assignment letter when asked, explaining that his credentials had been left at his hotel. Officers also said he told investigators he was visiting Bali on holiday.
Leonardo emphasized that the incident should not be interpreted as a dispute between police and the media.
“This individual was being questioned as the reported party in a criminal case, not as a journalist carrying out reporting duties,” he said.
Drug Test Result Requires Further Investigation
Police also confirmed that a urine test conducted by Denpasar’s narcotics unit returned a positive result for benzodiazepine, a class of prescription sedatives.
Authorities cautioned, however, that the finding does not automatically indicate illegal drug abuse.
Investigators said further examination is needed to determine whether the substance was taken legally under a doctor’s prescription or for another legitimate medical reason.
Investigation Now Handled by Bali Police
The original criminal case involving the alleged assault and threats has since been transferred to the Bali Provincial Police, which will continue the investigation.
Meanwhile, Denpasar Police urged the public not to draw conclusions based solely on short viral video clips circulating online.
Officials said the footage does not capture the full sequence of events surrounding the incident, which remains under investigation.
