The Ubud shoplifting case involving a group of junior high and high school students from Kyoto has drawn sharp attention across Indonesia and Japan. The students were visiting Bali on a school study tour when they stole forty pieces of clothing from two shops in central Ubud. The incident, which took place on December 4, was confirmed by the Kyoto-based Otani school and later reported by media in Japan and Indonesia.
The school issued a formal apology on its website, acknowledging that several students took part in the theft. Local police in Gianyar also confirmed the events and said that although the students have already returned to Japan, the Ubud shoplifting case remains under investigation with coordination between agencies.
A Viral Video That Triggered Immediate Public Response
The Ubud shoplifting case escalated quickly after CCTV footage circulated widely on social media. The video shows a group of Japanese male students placing T-shirts into their bags and leaving without paying. The clip spread fast among Indonesian users who questioned how an entire group could carry out the act during a school trip.
School administrators in Japan stated that they are reviewing supervision practices to prevent similar misconduct on future overseas programs. They also expressed concern that the Ubud shoplifting case may harm Japan’s reputation abroad.
Shops Report Losses and Confirm Timeline
The theft took place at two side-by-side clothing stores on Jalan Kajeng in Ubud. Both owners reported missing inventory totaling forty items, with estimated losses of IDR 3.6 million.
Kadek Ramayana, an employee who was present during the incident, said roughly twenty foreign students entered the shop that morning. Only three made legitimate purchases before the rest walked out. Later that evening, the owner reviewed CCTV footage and found the missing merchandise. The Ubud shoplifting case was then reported to the police.
Police spokesperson Ipda Gusti Ngurah Suardita said that the group arrived in Bali through a travel agency in Denpasar and traveled using four tour buses. They returned to Japan the same night after sightseeing in Ubud. Authorities are proceeding with the investigation and coordinating with related institutions abroad.
Tourist Misconduct and Bali’s Ongoing Challenge
The Ubud shoplifting case may not be violent crime, but it reinforces a recurring pattern: visitors engaging in unacceptable behavior that harms local businesses. Small family-run shops in Bali operate on thin margins. Losing inventory to theft is not a trivial loss, especially in the heart of a tourism economy still recovering from pandemic impacts.
For tourists and expatriates living in Bali, this case serves as a reminder that actions viewed as “small” by some can carry significant financial and emotional consequences for locals. Bali’s communities rely heavily on trust, hospitality and respectful interactions with guests.
A Reminder to Travelers: Don’t Do This
If you are traveling in Bali, please treat every shop, vendor and worker with respect. Petty theft does not just create legal problems. It damages Bali’s image, strains international relations, and affects the livelihoods of people who depend on tourism. Whether you are a student, backpacker or long-term resident, small acts of misconduct can have long-lasting impact.
If You Are a Victim in Bali, Don’t Stay Silent
While the Ubud shoplifting case highlights wrongdoing committed by foreigners, it also underscores a reality many tourists and expatriates face: when something goes wrong, navigating local procedures can feel overwhelming.
Giostanovlato of Hey Bali says many visitors avoid reporting incidents because they fear immigration issues or retaliation, even when they are victims.
“If you ever face a situation that harms you, reach out to Hey Bali. We offer free assistance through Hey Bali 911. It is not legal representation, but we help you file reports, speak to police and ensure your case receives proper attention in the media. As long as you are the victim and not the offender, we will stand with you,” he said.
The message is simple. If you experience a problem in Bali, do not stay silent. You have the right to seek help and to be treated fairly.
