A Polish tourist was reportedly subjected to sexual harassment while visiting a spa in the Kuta area of Bali. Denpasar Police confirmed this incident, with I Ketut Sukadi, Head of the Public Relations Section, providing details on 26th February 2024.
According to police reports, the incident occurred when two Polish tourists visited a spa on Wana Segara Street in Kuta, Badung, on Sunday, 25th February 2024. The tourist identified as CD arrived with a male companion around 9 PM local time. Around 9:20 PM, one of the therapists directed CD to an upstairs room for a head massage, while his male friend remained downstairs.
The Polish tourist reported being sexually assaulted by a spa therapist based on his statement. He promptly reported the incident to the police, providing evidence such as the spa’s address, photos of the alleged perpetrator, and a detailed chronology.
Denpasar police are currently investigating the sexual harassment case, but limited information is available as the investigation is ongoing.
In recent times, Bali’s tourism has been marred by negative issues, including an increase in crime. Cases of sexual harassment, like the incident involving Chinese tourists on 7th February 2024, have become more frequent, highlighting a concerning trend.
The recent sexual harassment case adds to the concerns of foreign tourists regarding their safety in Bali. This comes in the wake of a disturbing incident in 2023, where an online taxi driver raped a tourist from Brazil on 7th August 2023.
The incident garnered widespread attention in the media, casting a shadow over Bali’s tourism industry. The perpetrator, originally from Jember, East Java, had relocated to Bali for employment.
With the ongoing growth of tourism in Bali, there is a heightened expectation for the government and police to enforce stricter measures to ensure the security and well-being of both foreign and domestic tourists visiting the island.