NUSA PENIDA, Bali — A disagreement over a ferry departure escalated into a tense scene at one of Bali’s busiest island ports on Wednesday after a young domestic tourist threatened to jump into the sea from Buyuk Port in Nusa Penida.
The incident unfolded shortly before midday, drawing the attention of travelers, vendors, and local residents as the woman ran toward the edge of the harbor following an argument with her partner over transportation arrangements back to mainland Bali.
According to Nusa Penida Police Chief, Kompol I Ketut Kesuma Jaya, officers were alerted after concerned members of the public reported a distressed woman threatening to leap into the water.
“Fortunately, personnel from Nusa Penida Police, led by Bripka I Wayan Darmawan, responded quickly to the scene,” Kesuma Jaya said on Thursday. “They approached her calmly, spoke with her directly, and successfully persuaded her to move away from the edge before safely escorting her to the police station.”
Police identified the woman only by her initials, IPS, 21, from North Sumatra.
Preliminary information gathered by officers indicates that the incident began as the couple was preparing to return to Denpasar. A disagreement reportedly emerged regarding the departure schedule of a ferry bound for Sanur, leading to confusion and heightened emotions.
Feeling abandoned during the dispute, the woman ran toward the end of the pier and threatened to jump into the sea, triggering alarm among those nearby.
Witnesses said the situation briefly disrupted activity around the port as travelers and local vendors watched police attempt to calm her.
Buyuk Port serves as one of the primary gateways connecting Nusa Penida with mainland Bali, handling hundreds of passengers daily, particularly during peak tourism periods.
After being taken to the police station, both individuals were invited to participate in mediation facilitated by officers. Authorities said the couple later reconciled and agreed to resolve the matter privately without filing any formal complaints.
Kesuma Jaya emphasized that police responsibilities extend beyond responding to criminal activity.
“Our duty is not only to handle crime but also to protect lives and ensure public safety,” he said. “We are grateful the situation was brought under control quickly and resolved peacefully.”
The police chief also urged members of the public to prioritize communication when dealing with personal conflicts.
“We encourage people to resolve problems through good communication and avoid actions that could endanger themselves or others,” he said.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
While disputes among travelers are not uncommon in busy transport hubs, authorities said the episode serves as a reminder that moments of stress and miscommunication can escalate rapidly if emotions are allowed to take over.
For police in Nusa Penida, the outcome was ultimately the most important part of the story: a potentially dangerous situation ended without harm, allowing normal activity at the port to resume.
