BADUNG – North Kuta Police Criminal Investigation Unit has apprehended Jason Barletta (36), an Australian foreign national, on suspicion of assaulting a French man at a bar in North Kuta. The incident occurred on Thursday (July 13) around 4:30 AM local time on the second floor of Shi-Shi Bar, located on Petitenget Beach Street, Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung.

Quoted from humas.polri.go.id, the victim, Maxime Christian Claude Serres (27), from France, was at the bar with his female friend, enjoying the music when the perpetrator approached and spoke to him. Barletta then left, but shortly after, he returned and struck the victim four times on his right hand with a green beer bottle. The victim sustained three injuries on his left forehead, requiring eight stitches.

According to Assistant Commissioner AA Ketut Nuasa, the Deputy Chief of North Kuta Police, the suspect was arrested promptly after receiving the report. He stated, “When we questioned the victim Maxime Christian Claude Serres, he confirmed that on Thursday, July 13, 2023, around 4:30 AM, he was assaulted without any reason.”

The suspect, temporarily residing at Vials Guest House on Pantai Berawa Street, Tibubeneng, admitted to the assault with the use of a beer bottle. He confessed to the act before his detention. Assistant Commissioner AA Ketut Nuasa concluded, “The suspect will be charged with assault as regulated in Article 351 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 2 years and 8 months.”

Another altercation involving a foreigner (bule) took place at Fox & Rabbit Bar and Restaurant on Camplung Tanduk Street, Seminyak, Badung, on Saturday (July 14) around 9:00 PM local time. An Australian expatriate with the initials LAK (43) was stabbed with a sharp weapon (Sajam) at the scene.

“The assault incident did occur, and it is currently being handled by the North Kuta Criminal Investigation Unit,” clarified Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner I Ketut Sukadi, on Tuesday (July 18). The incident was reported by Kadek Hari Surya Adnyana (26), an employee at the scene.

Kadek reported to the police that a foreign national had been assaulted with a sharp weapon. Upon receiving the report, Chief Inspector Kuta, Kompol Yogie Pramagita, led his team to the location to conduct a crime scene investigation. The officers examined witnesses present at the scene and the complainants. The victim is currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital.

Assistant Commissioner Sukadi stated, “The victim LAK is undergoing intensive treatment at BMC Hospital in Kuta Badung due to a stab wound on the left side of his abdomen.”

At present, the Denpasar City Police Criminal Investigation Unit is investigating the suspect, identified as NAH, who is also a foreign national. The suspect claimed that the victim and he were at the location together, drinking. However, an unexpected argument broke out, leading to the stabbing of the victim.

“The police are currently conducting an intensive investigation into the case and have examined three witnesses,” concluded Assistant Commissioner Sukadi.