DENPASAR, BALINEWS – A foreign national identified as David Van Tra Nguyen has been reported to the Denpasar Police over an alleged assault on a local resident, Rafael Bujang, 52. The alleged incident reportedly stemmed from a confrontation after the foreign national was seen riding a motorcycle with the victim's wife.
The incident took place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, on Jalan Dewi Sri in Kuta, Badung Regency, in front of the Grand Kuta Residence Hotel.
Rafael, a native of Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), confirmed the incident, saying he was repeatedly punched after confronting David, who was riding a motorcycle with his wife.
"I approached him calmly because he was giving my wife a ride. This had happened several times before, and I was concerned about their inappropriate closeness. However, he did not take kindly to my remarks and immediately started punching me repeatedly," Rafael said.
According to Rafael's account, the alleged assailant got off the motorcycle and immediately struck him on the left side of his head. The impact left him staggering and struggling to maintain his balance.
The assault allegedly continued, with the attacker delivering several more blows to the back of Rafael's head. Rafael said he tried to dodge the punches and shield himself, but was unable to defend himself effectively.
As a result of the incident, Rafael sustained several injuries. According to medical examination findings presented by the victim, he suffered bruising and swelling to the head, injuries to his back, and sprains to both hands after attempting to block the blows.
Unwilling to let the incident go unreported, Rafael filed a police complaint with the Denpasar Police on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The complaint was registered under Police Report Number LP/B/621/XI/2026/POLRESTA DENPASAR/POLDA BALI, dated November 8, 2026.
Meanwhile, Denpasar Police Public Relations Section Head Iptu Gede Adi Saputra had yet to respond to a request for comment sent via WhatsApp. The message had not been delivered, as indicated by a single check mark.
This media outlet also contacted Denpasar Police Chief Kombes Pol. I Wayan Winaya to seek confirmation regarding the police report. The police chief asked reporters to send him a copy of the report via WhatsApp.
"Please send me the police report via WhatsApp," the police chief wrote.
Several journalists subsequently sent him a copy of the police report as requested. However, after receiving the document, the police chief responded only with a thank-you sticker.
As of publication, no official statement had been obtained from the Denpasar Police regarding the progress of the case. Further clarification from David Van Tra Nguyen is also being sought to ensure balanced reporting and give the reported individual an opportunity to present his side of the story.
