A routine security screening at Bali’s international airport ended with the detention of a Portuguese national after officers discovered 50 rounds of ammunition inside her backpack, highlighting the strict firearms laws that foreign travelers can face in Indonesia.
BADUNG, Bali — What began as a routine departure from Bali turned into a legal ordeal for a Portuguese traveler after airport security officers discovered 50 rounds of ammunition inside her carry-on bag at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The incident occurred late Saturday night, June 20, at approximately 11:28 p.m., as passengers were passing through the International Departure Security Check Point before boarding outbound flights.
According to authorities, Aviation Security (Avsec) officers conducting standard X-ray screening noticed suspicious objects inside a black backpack belonging to a passenger scheduled to fly to Abu Dhabi.
After obtaining the traveler’s consent to inspect the bag, officers reportedly found a box containing 50 rounds of .22 Long Rifle ammunition wrapped in white tissue and stored inside one of the backpack’s compartments.
The passenger was later identified by her initials, A.C.R.D.C.F.N., a 47-year-old Portuguese citizen.
Ammunition Discovered During Routine Screening
Airport security personnel immediately secured both the traveler and the ammunition before notifying officers from the Ngurah Rai Airport Police.
The passenger was subsequently taken to the Ngurah Rai Airport Police Station for further questioning, while investigators documented and seized the evidence.
Authorities said the items confiscated included:
- 50 rounds of .22 Long Rifle ammunition
- One black ammunition box
- One black backpack used to store the ammunition
Initial questioning revealed that the traveler acknowledged ownership of the ammunition.
According to investigators, the Portuguese national stated that she is an active member of a shooting sports federation in Portugal. She reportedly told authorities that the ammunition may have been unintentionally left inside a bag she commonly uses during shooting practice sessions in her home country.
Investigators have not publicly indicated whether they have verified that explanation.
Indonesian Authorities Continue Investigation
Police say the case remains under investigation.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Ngurah Rai Airport Police are currently reviewing airport surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, coordinating with Portuguese consular representatives, and conducting a formal case assessment.
The case was officially recorded under Police Report Number LP-B/14/VI/2026/SPKT.SATRESKRIM/POLRES KWS BDR I GST NGURAH RAI dated June 21, 2026.
Authorities noted that the traveler did not possess any Indonesian permit or official documentation authorizing her to possess, transport, or store ammunition within Indonesia.
As a result, investigators are examining the case under Article 306 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code as stipulated in Law No. 1 of 2023.
At this stage, police have not announced whether formal charges have been filed.
A Reminder of Indonesia’s Strict Firearms Regulations
The incident underscores the significant differences that can exist between firearms regulations in different countries.
Indonesia maintains some of the strictest controls on firearms and ammunition in Southeast Asia. Ownership, possession, transportation, and storage of firearms-related items are tightly regulated, and foreign nationals are expected to comply with local laws regardless of regulations in their home countries.
For international travelers, legal experts often recommend thoroughly inspecting luggage before departure, particularly if bags have previously been used for hunting, shooting sports, military activities, or firearm-related training.
Items that may be legally owned elsewhere can still create serious legal complications when brought into another country without the required authorization.
Airport Police Urge Travelers to Check Their Luggage
Speaking on behalf of Ngurah Rai Airport Police Chief Kombes Pol I Komang Budiartha, Public Relations Officer Ipda I Gede Suka Artana confirmed that the traveler and the evidence had been secured while investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.
Authorities also reminded passengers traveling through Bali’s international airport to ensure that all items in their luggage comply with aviation security requirements and Indonesian law.
The airport, which serves millions of international passengers each year, operates multiple layers of security screening designed to detect prohibited items before travelers board aircraft.
This case, investigators say, demonstrates how routine screening procedures can uncover items that may otherwise go unnoticed.
A Reminder for International Travelers
The Portuguese traveler remains subject to an ongoing police investigation. Indonesian authorities continue to gather evidence, review witness statements, and coordinate with relevant institutions before determining the next legal steps.
Regardless of the eventual outcome, the incident highlights an important lesson for international travelers. Crossing a border also means entering a different legal system, where regulations may differ significantly from those at home. A forgotten item in a travel bag can quickly become a matter for law enforcement, particularly in countries with strict rules governing firearms and ammunition.
For visitors arriving in or departing from Indonesia, a careful inspection of luggage before travel can help prevent unexpected legal complications. In a country with stringent regulations on weapons and ammunition, even an item overlooked months earlier can trigger serious consequences once discovered during a security screening.
