10 Bangladeshi Nationals in Buleleng Kidnapping Case Entered Indonesia Illegally

A case of alleged kidnapping and fraud disguised as job placement to Australia, involving Bangladeshi nationals in Buleleng, Bali, in February 2026, has uncovered new facts. Five victims and five perpetrators from Bangladesh entered Indonesia through illegal routes or “rat paths”.

The Head of the Singaraja Immigration Office, Anak Agung Gde Kusuma Putra, stated that all the Bangladeshi nationals did not pass through Immigration Checkpoints (TPI) when entering Indonesian territory.

“For this case, there are 10 people, consisting of five victims and five perpetrators. All entered without going through immigration checkpoints, but via rat paths,” said Kusuma Putra on Tuesday (12/5/2026).

The case came to light after the Immigration office received information from the police. Subsequently, Singaraja Immigration coordinated and handled the matter on the ground.

Of the five victims, four have been deported to their home country after undergoing data collection and immigration checks. Meanwhile, one other victim is still under further handling. As for the five Bangladeshi nationals suspected as perpetrators, they are now undergoing legal processes by law enforcement authorities.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Felicia Senky Ratna, highlighted the vulnerability of Indonesia’s border areas that allow foreigners to enter illegally.

According to her, as an archipelagic nation, Indonesia has many border points that are not all official inspection locations, making them prone to exploitation by cross-border illegal networks.

“Indonesia is an archipelagic country. Not all border points are immigration checkpoints. That means, the opportunity for foreigners to enter through unofficial routes is wide open,” said Felicia.

She also revealed suspicions of involvement by international syndicates facilitating illegal cross-border movements. The methods used include utilising sea routes with traditional boats at night to avoid surveillance by officials.

“There are even international syndicates that facilitate their entry into Indonesian waters illegally,” she stated.

Felicia emphasised that border surveillance cannot be solely the responsibility of Immigration, but is a shared duty across agencies, including the police and other relevant institutions. Similar practices, she said, are often found in other border areas like the Riau Islands, which have many unofficial routes.

“This is a shared responsibility. Not just Immigration, but all agencies with authority in safeguarding the state’s borders,” she asserted.

On the other hand, the Buleleng Police Chief, Ruzi Gusman, revealed that the case began with a report from two victims who managed to escape from a villa in Pemuteran Village, Gerokgak Subdistrict.

The two victims then sought help at a local military facility before being taken to the police station. From initial statements, it was known that there were still three other victims allegedly held captive at the location.

“From the victims’ confessions, they were kidnapped and extorted for money by fellow Bangladeshis. There are five victims in total and also five perpetrators,” said Ruzi.

The police, acting swiftly, immediately went to the scene. Although the perpetrators were no longer there, officers found several pieces of evidence such as binding ropes and a messy room condition.

Subsequently, the apparatus conducted a sweep and coordinated across units until they successfully secured eight people at an inn in the Gilimanuk area. After examination, five were perpetrators and the other three were victims.

From the examination results, the victims had previously worked in Malaysia and were promised illegal dispatch to Australia. They entered Indonesia through unofficial routes in the Riau Islands area, then moved from Jakarta to Bali.

During the journey, the victims were asked to pay a sum of money under the pretext of operational costs for the departure. Upon arriving in Buleleng, they were further extorted through intimidation.

“The victims were tied up, intimidated, and even threatened with sharp weapons to demand additional money,” revealed Ruzi.

He added that the perpetrators had called the victims one by one to pressure them into handing over money. However, when the situation was lax, two victims managed to escape and report to the authorities.

The police assured that there is no indication of involvement by online gambling networks in this case. The investigation focuses on allegations of fraud, extortion, and human smuggling. The perpetrators are charged under Articles 457 and 482 of Law Number 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code.

Previously, five Bangladeshi nationals were reported as victims of kidnapping in Pemuteran Village, Gerokgak Subdistrict, Buleleng. The case came to light after one victim managed to escape.

The Head of Public Relations of Buleleng Police, Yohana Rosalin Diaz, confirmed the report. The alleged kidnapping report was received on 17 February 2026 from one victim named Abdul Hossain Joel.