UBUD, Bali – An Indian tourist returned from breakfast with her family at a resort in Ubud only to discover that thousands of dollars and cash in multiple currencies had disappeared from her room.
Police say they arrested the suspect less than 24 hours later.
The suspect, identified only by his initials UM, 31, from Banyuwangi, East Java, was detained after investigators linked him to the theft at a resort in Lodtunduh Village, Ubud.
“The incident occurred on June 3, 2026. The following day, the suspect was arrested,” Ubud Police Chief Kompol I Wayan Putra Antara said Sunday.
Breakfast Ends With Missing Cash
The victim, identified as Mokshita, 25, had been staying at the resort together with family members.
She occupied room number six together with her younger sibling.
According to police, the victim stored cash inside a bag kept in the room, including US$600, 2,000 Indian rupees, and Rp3.4 million.
The following morning, Mokshita, her sibling, and relatives left the room to have breakfast inside the resort complex.
When they returned, the money was gone.
Police estimate the total loss at approximately Rp14.5 million.
CCTV Leads Investigators to Suspect
Authorities say the theft was reported immediately and investigators reviewed surveillance footage while collecting witness statements.
Investigators concluded that UM allegedly entered room number six while the victim and her family were away having breakfast.
Police emphasized that the suspect was not employed by the resort.
After locating his whereabouts, officers moved in and arrested him.
Investigation Moves Quickly
Police have charged UM under Article 476 of Indonesia’s revised Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.
Authorities have not disclosed how the suspect gained access to the room or whether the room had been locked at the time.
For visitors staying in Bali’s villa and resort areas, the incident serves as another reminder that even short absences can create opportunities for theft.
This time, police say, the investigation moved faster than the suspect expected.
