BADUNG, Bali – A US tourist assaults construction workers in Bali during a confrontation on Jalan Pantai Suluban, Pecatu, South Kuta, on Sunday (23 November 2025). The altercation escalated into a violent clash, leaving one worker injured. Authorities say the sequence of events was partially captured on video, which has become a key supporting material in reviewing the actions of both parties.

According to South Kuta Police, the incident began when the American national, identified as MD (29), arrived at the construction site shouting and recording workers with his phone. The victim, Ni Komang Sri Hartati Rahayu Ningsih (47), was cleaning heavy machinery that MD had allegedly doused with diesel two days earlier.

Police spokesman Kompol I Ketut Sukadi stated that MD approached the victim in an aggressive manner, raised his voice, and touched her cheek, provoking a reaction from other workers who objected to his behavior. MD then briefly left the scene but later returned carrying a wooden stick and a machete-like weapon.

MD allegedly struck the back of the victim’s neck, causing her to fall and experience blurred vision and dizziness. Several workers fled after seeing the sharp weapon in the tourist’s hand.

Police confirmed that the victim suffered dizziness from blunt-force impact along with abrasions on her elbows and knees. MD also sustained injuries, including a laceration on his ear and scrapes on his knees and elbows.

South Kuta Police conducted a crime scene examination and secured the suspect, victim, witnesses, and physical evidence. Investigators have yet to determine the motive behind the confrontation due to the absence of a certified interpreter. Authorities are coordinating with the US Embassy as the case progresses.

A video documenting part of the altercation has been obtained, and police are reviewing the footage as supporting evidence. The video is embedded below for readers to view the moment tensions escalated.