BADUNG, BALINEWS – Police at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport have uncovered five criminal cases involving passenger theft, an alleged unauthorized Hajj pilgrimage scheme, and the suspected embezzlement of airline operational funds, resulting in losses of approximately Rp689.56 million.
The cases were announced by I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Police Chief AKBP I Made Hendra Agustina during a press conference held at the airport police headquarters on Thursday (Nov. 5, 2026).
Among the cases were two separate theft incidents allegedly involving airport porters who targeted passengers' luggage in the domestic departure area.
In the first case, two porters identified by their initials AM and WAI were suspected of stealing USD 3,200 from a passenger's suitcase in September 2026.
Police said AM allegedly took the money from an unlocked suitcase, while WAI allegedly identified the target luggage and monitored the surrounding area.
Investigators seized several items of evidence, including a foreign currency exchange voucher, an iPhone 17 Pro, a purchase receipt from Digiplus, and other related items.
In a separate incident in October 2026, another porter, identified as NEA, was suspected of stealing Rp18 million from an unlocked backpack in the domestic departure baggage area.
Police recovered Rp15.8 million in cash, CCTV footage, and an access card as evidence.
The third theft case occurred aboard Batik Air flight ID 6508, operating from Jakarta to Denpasar in November 2026. Two foreign nationals, identified by their initials LDJ and LZ, were arrested for allegedly stealing money from a passenger's blue backpack stored in the aircraft's overhead compartment.
Police seized USD 800 in cash in connection with the case.
Beyond passenger theft, investigators also uncovered an alleged illegal special Hajj pilgrimage arrangement involving 13 prospective pilgrims who were stopped at the international terminal of Ngurah Rai Airport in May 2026.
A suspect identified as MS allegedly coordinated their departure through Malaysia under the pretext of a holiday trip before continuing to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
The suspect allegedly charged each prospective pilgrim between Rp250 million and Rp350 million despite not holding an official license to organize special Hajj pilgrimages.
The fifth case involved the suspected fraud and embezzlement of operational funds belonging to South Korean airline T'way Air between July and November 2025.
The suspect, identified as MR, allegedly misappropriated company funds by making cash withdrawals and transferring money into personal bank accounts, including an account belonging to his wife.
The alleged misconduct caused the airline financial losses amounting to Rp689,560,000.
MR was arrested in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, by an airport police team assisted by the Jatanras unit of the Samarinda City Police.
Airport Police Chief AKBP I Made Hendra Agustina said the five cases reflected the police department's commitment to maintaining security and public order within the airport area.
"An airport is a vital facility with a high level of public mobility. Therefore, we are committed to taking firm action against all forms of criminal activity, regardless of who is involved," he said.
He also expressed appreciation for the support provided by PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia and other relevant agencies, which helped investigators obtain information and coordinate their investigations.
Representatives from the Airport Authority, Angkasa Pura Indonesia, Aviation Security (Avsec), the Bali Provincial Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Hajj and Umrah division, Customs and Excise, Immigration, and the Indonesian Air Force also attended the press conference.
The police urged airport passengers to remain vigilant and keep their valuables under close supervision, particularly when storing belongings in checked luggage or cabin bags.
Members of the public planning to undertake Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages were also advised to verify that travel organizers hold the necessary official licenses.
The airport police said they would continue strengthening cooperation with airport authorities and other stakeholders to prevent criminal activities and maintain security at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
