The Bali Police apprehended a 33-year-old American man on suspicion of attempting to kidnap an 8-year-old girl in Denpasar. The incident, which occurred on Monday, 25th March 2024, at approximately 1:30 PM local time in Kori Nuansa Residence, South Kuta, involved the victim and her cousin walking past the perpetrator’s residence.
Upon seeing the victim, the perpetrator, believed to be suffering from a mental illness, approached her and attempted to engage her in conversation in English, despite the victim’s lack of understanding.
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Unexpectedly, the assailant seized the victim’s left hand and forcibly led him into the yard, swiftly locking the gate behind them. Brandishing a knife, the perpetrator menacingly confronted the terrified victim, who cried out for assistance. Hearing the commotion, the victim’s aunt and uncle rushed to the scene and forcefully pounded on the fence until it gave way.
In a state of distress, the victim fled towards his relatives for safety. The victim’s parents promptly alerted the Bali police of the incident. Presently, authorities are collaborating with Prof. Go from Sanglah Hospital to evaluate the mental health of the American man.
The suspect is believed to have committed attempted kidnapping of a minor, as stipulated in Article 76 F Juncto Article 83 of Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 17 of 2016, which replaces Government Regulation in place of Law No. 1 of 2016 concerning the second amendment to the Republic of Indonesia Law no. 23 of 2002 regarding Child Protection.
“In light of this incident, we urge the public, particularly parents and school educators, to closely monitor the whereabouts of their children and students,” stated Jansen Panjaitan, Head of Public Relations for the Bali Police.
