DENPASAR, BALI – What began as a stolen-wallet case at one of Bali’s historic temples ended with an unexpected act of forgiveness.

After police recovered his missing wallet, a 63-year-old American tourist chose not to press charges and instead gave money to the man who returned it.

The incident occurred on June 19 at Pura Kehen, a historic temple in Bali’s Bangli Regency, where Victor Miguel, an American citizen originally from Miami who now resides in Ubud, discovered that his wallet had gone missing while visiting the site.

According to police, the wallet contained identification cards and Rp1 million (about US$61) in cash.

With assistance from local residents, Miguel reported the loss to authorities, who later located the man believed to have taken the wallet at Pasar Kidul in Bangli.

Police identified him as INS, a 25-year-old local resident who is deaf and non-verbal. Authorities said communication was conducted through sign language during the investigation.

After being located by police, INS voluntarily returned the wallet along with all of its contents.

Bangli Police spokesperson Iptu I Gede Gumiliarta said Miguel decided not to pursue legal action after learning more about the man’s circumstances.

“The victim chose not to file a formal report,” Gumiliarta said.

Moved by the man’s condition, Miguel instead provided him with Rp300,000 in cash.

The reconciliation process was witnessed by local community leaders, the man’s parents, and officers from Bangli Police.

Bangli Police Chief Kompol I Gusti Made Sudarma Putra said the case was resolved amicably after the stolen property was returned intact.

He also praised the victim’s decision to settle the matter peacefully.