Denpasar, Bali. Indonesian police have arrested a security guard on suspicion of sexually assaulting an Australian tourist at a nightlife venue in Bali, authorities said on Friday.

The suspect, identified by his initials ABM, 29, was detained following a report filed on March 24, according to the Bali Police.

Police said the alleged incident occurred in the early hours of March 24, at around 4 a.m. local time, in a women’s restroom at an entertainment venue in Seminyak, a popular tourist area in Bali’s Badung regency.

The victim, a 22-year-old Australian woman identified by her initials KNB, had initially visited the venue and later returned after realizing she had left behind personal belongings. She re-entered the premises accompanied by the suspect, who was working as a security guard at the venue.

While inside the restroom, the suspect allegedly committed sexual violence against the victim, which police say escalated into non-consensual sexual intercourse. The victim subsequently reported the incident to the police in Denpasar.

Investigators from the Denpasar Police Criminal Investigation Unit arrested the suspect on March 26 in West Denpasar after conducting preliminary inquiries and gathering witness statements.

I Gede Adhi Muliawarman, director of general criminal investigation at Bali Police, said initial examinations of the suspect, the victim, and witnesses supported allegations of sexual violence at the scene.

Authorities have provisionally charged the suspect under provisions of Indonesia’s 2022 law on sexual violence crimes, which carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a fine of up to Rp 200 million ($12,000). Investigators are also assessing the possibility of applying more serious charges under the country’s updated criminal code if further evidence meets the legal threshold.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police conducting additional witness interviews, collecting forensic evidence, and coordinating with prosecutors and medical experts.

Police urged visitors to remain vigilant while traveling in Bali, one of Indonesia’s top tourist destinations.

“We continue to conduct patrols, issue advisories, and enforce the law to ensure Bali remains safe to visit,” Adhi Muliawarman said. “At the same time, we urge the public to take precautions and minimize the risk of criminal incidents.”

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