BADUNG, BALINEWS — The Denpasar Immigration Detention Center (Rudenim Denpasar) deported two Iranian nationals, identified by the initials BM, 47, and his uncle, MH, 71, on Friday (October 9, 2026), following a viral alleged theft incident at Bajera Market in Selemadeg District, Tabanan Regency, Bali, in September.
The deportation was carried out as an Immigration Administrative Measure after the incident, which allegedly involved a hypnotic theft scheme, attracted widespread attention on social media. The police recommended their deportation despite an amicable settlement between the two men and the victim.
Head of the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center, Teguh Mentalyadi, said the deportation was carried out after all administrative requirements and travel documents had been completed.
“Their actions went viral through CCTV footage on social media and caused public concern. Every foreign national staying in Indonesia is required to comply with immigration regulations and respect the law and public order. Once all procedures and repatriation documents had been completed, we carried out the deportation in accordance with the applicable regulations,” Teguh said.
According to immigration records, BM and MH entered Indonesia using Visit Stay Permits on September 12, 2026, through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. They subsequently stayed at a hotel in the Kuta area of Badung Regency.
The alleged theft occurred at Bajera Market on Friday, September 18, 2026. The two men allegedly pretended to purchase granulated sugar and asked to exchange money. During the transaction, money was allegedly taken from the victim’s bag, resulting in a reported loss of Rp800,000 (approximately IDR 800,000).
After their presence was detected in the Kuta area, the two Iranian nationals were apprehended by Kuta Police on Sunday, September 20, 2026. They were subsequently handed over to Tabanan Police for further handling of the case.
A mediation process was later conducted involving the shop owner, the police, and legal counsel. The parties eventually reached an amicable settlement.
Despite the settlement, Tabanan Police recommended that the two men be deported to the Tabanan Class III Non-TPI Immigration Office on September 21, 2026. They were transferred to the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center the following day, September 22, where they remained in detention until their deportation.
On October 9, 2026, BM and MH were deported through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, with Tehran, Iran, as their final destination.
The immigration action was based on Article 75(1) of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration. The provision authorizes immigration officials to impose administrative measures on foreign nationals whose activities are considered dangerous or suspected of posing a threat to public security and order.
In addition to deportation, both individuals were placed on the immigration blacklist, preventing them from re-entering Indonesia for a period determined by the Directorate General of Immigration.
