Unruly British Motorcyclist Clashed with Traffic Police in Bali

Liputan6.com, Denpasar - On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, a British tourist named Adam Alexander Murray was apprehended by the police in Denpasar, Bali, following reports of a violent incident by traffic police officers (polantas).

The spokesperson for the Bali Regional Police, Commissioner Jansen Avitus Panjaitan, said that the incident began when the police intervened as the tourist was riding without a helmet on Monday, September 18, 2023.

Police officer Aiptu Puji Santoso pulled over the tourist near the Sunset Road Traffic Police Post in Kuta, Badung, to inspect the vehicle's documents.

The tourist, riding a motorcycle with license plate number DK 3085 FCP, attempted to flee but was halted by Aiptu Puji Santoso. 

But the unruly tourist pushed Aiptu Puji, causing him to nearly stumble, and even slapped him, knocking off his police cap.

In order to avoid the potential of traffic congestion at the scene, the officers chose discretion and allowed the tourist to leave. 

The incident, however, was captured on camera by a resident and subsequently went viral on social media. The police then conducted further investigation.

"The current actions have been taken include detaining the tourist and securing evidence, issuing a traffic citation, conducting interviews with witnesses and the tourist, and coordinating with Immigration authorities for legal proceedings and deportation," stated Jansen.

The tourist claimed the police's actions are unfair because he sees others riding without helmets every day without consequences.

The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office in Bali is awaiting the case transfer from the police regarding the British tourist.

"The next steps depend on the police's evaluation. We solely act upon recommendations from the units responsible for addressing violations," explained Acting Head of the Information and Communication Technology Division of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Putu Suhendra, in Denpasar on Thursday.

Andhika Naufal Satria contributed to this report.