Authorities set a case review for January 28, 2026, which will determine the legal status and potential charges for the foreign national held in a Bali detention center for over four months.
DENPASAR, Bali — The Badung Police have formally addressed the ongoing detention of a New Zealand national who has been held for over four months, stating that their criminal investigation remains active and at a preliminary stage.
Andrew Joseph McLean, 50, has been held at the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center (Rudenim) since September 14, 2025, following a report filed by his former partner. His prolonged detention without a formal suspect status has drawn questions from his legal representative.
In a statement, AKP Azarul Ahmad, Head of Criminal Investigation at the Badung Police (Kasat Reskrim Polres Badung), clarified the current status.
“The related case is still in the investigation stage,” Azarul stated. He explained that Mr. McLean is currently categorized as the “reported party” (terlapor), and investigators are still “deepening the material facts, synchronizing witness statements, and examining evidence” to determine if a criminal offense occurred.
Police Cite Administrative Procedure for Immigration Request
Azarul addressed the police letter sent to immigration authorities, which has effectively prevented Mr. McLean’s deportation. He described it as a standard “administrative-preventive step in the context of supervising a foreign national who is in a legal process.
” The purpose, he said, is to ensure the individual remains cooperative and within Indonesian jurisdiction for the smooth running of the investigation.
The police official also noted that investigators are incorporating medical findings into their review.
“Based on the results of the visum and expert doctor testimony, investigators are still deepening the details of the incident to qualify the actions,” Azarul added. He emphasized that under the new Criminal Code, medical observations would be a primary consideration in determining legal capacity.
Legal Representation Highlights Lack of Clarity
Mr. McLean’s lawyer, Max Widi, has previously expressed concern over the absence of a clear legal designation after months of detention. “Four months detained without status—is he a suspect or not?” Widi questioned. He also highlighted his client’s diagnosed mental health condition, Bipolar Affective Disorder with psychotic symptoms, as documented by a local hospital.
The Badung Police confirmed that two mediation attempts had been made, including one in December 2025, but were unsuccessful as the reporting party wished to proceed with the legal process.
A formal case review (gelar perkara) has now been scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, which will be the critical next step in deciding whether to advance the case. This development introduces a concrete timeline into a situation previously characterized by procedural ambiguity.
The statement from the Badung Police underscores the procedural complexities that can extend the detention of foreign nationals in Bali when criminal and immigration issues intersect, often leading to prolonged periods of uncertainty.
Hey Bali News reports on this development to provide clarity on local legal procedures for the international community.
