Porter Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Passenger’s Money at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport

BALI — A 31-year-old airport porter identified by the initials NE, from Tabanan, Bali, has been detained by investigators from the Airport Area Police in connection with the alleged theft of a passenger’s money at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, at around 7:30 p.m. local time at the Make Up Area of the Domestic Departure Terminal. The victim, identified by the initials BTW, 25, is a man from Nganjuk, East Java.

The victim reported losing cash from a backpack while his luggage was being handled in the baggage processing area. The reported loss amounted to Rp18 million.

The case was uncovered after airport authorities received information about the missing money. An internal investigation was conducted, including a review of CCTV footage from the Domestic Departure Terminal’s Make Up Area.

The footage allegedly showed a porter near the conveyor belt acting suspiciously. The porter was seen allegedly opening and feeling through a passenger’s unlocked bag before placing it back on the conveyor.

Airport security officers detained NE on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at around 11 a.m.

During an initial examination, NE allegedly admitted to taking money from the passenger’s bag. Investigators then obtained information that the money was kept at the suspect’s residence in Kuta.

Police searched the residence and recovered Rp15.8 million in cash, which investigators believe was part of the money reported missing by the victim.

Police also seized an orange-and-black shirt and an airport access card as evidence.

Police Use CCTV Evidence to Trace Suspect

Head of Criminal Investigation at the Airport Area Police, AKP I Nengah Mantra, S.H., M.H., said investigators immediately followed up on the report by coordinating with relevant parties and examining the CCTV footage.

According to investigators, the preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect allegedly took money from the victim’s bag while it was on the baggage conveyor.

“The search at the suspect’s residence resulted in the discovery of Rp15.8 million in cash, which is suspected to be related to the victim’s money. The evidence has been secured for the investigation process,” Mantra said.

Police are continuing to investigate the case, including questioning witnesses and completing the necessary investigative documents and evidence.

The Airport Area Police Public Relations Officer, Ipda I Gede Suka Artana, confirmed the case on behalf of Airport Area Police Chief AKBP I Made Hendra Agustina, S.H., S.I.K., M.H.

He said the police remain committed to maintaining security and providing a sense of safety for passengers and other airport users.

“Every report received will be followed up in accordance with applicable procedures and legal provisions,” Artana said.

Suspect Allegedly Targeted Unlocked Passenger Bags

Based on the preliminary investigation, police believe the alleged motive was to obtain personal financial gain.

The alleged method involved opening and searching through a passenger’s unlocked bag while it was on the baggage conveyor before taking the cash inside.

Police have carried out several investigative steps, including receiving the report, reviewing CCTV footage, visiting the crime scene, questioning witnesses, securing the suspect and collecting evidence.

NE remains in police custody at the Airport Area Police headquarters for further questioning.

The case is being investigated as an alleged theft offense under Article 476 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (Law No. 1 of 2023).

Police have also urged passengers at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to pay close attention to their belongings, particularly valuables, while traveling through the airport.

The Airport Area Police said they would continue working with relevant airport stakeholders to strengthen security and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and other airport users.

The police also emphasized the importance of rapid response and law enforcement as part of the operational principles of the Indonesian National Police under National Police Chief General Suyudi Aryo Seto.