American Tourist in Bali Forgives Thief, Gives Him Money After Learning of His Disability

An American citizen named Victor Miguel became a victim of pickpocketing at the Pura Kehen temple complex in Cempaga, Bangli Regency, Bali. However, the case ended peacefully after the tourist gave the perpetrator Rp 150,000 (approximately USD 9).

The theft was reported on Friday afternoon (19/6/2026) at 1:00 p.m. WITA. The perpetrator was identified as a 25-year-old unemployed youth named I Nengah Setiawan, also known as Kolok.

Head of Public Relations for the Bangli Police, Iptu I Gede Gumiliarta, explained that the pickpocketing occurred while Miguel was sightseeing at the temple. The 63-year-old foreigner had placed his bag and belongings in the temple area. The bag contained a wallet with Rp 1 million in cash and identity cards. Miguel only realised his wallet was missing when he was about to leave the temple.

Based on an investigation and witness statements, police identified Setiawan as the thief and arrested him at Pasar Kidul Bangli. The police recovered Miguel’s wallet with its contents intact.

After communication between the parties, the victim and the perpetrator met. It was revealed that the perpetrator was an unemployed youth who is deaf and suffers from a mental disorder. Upon receiving his wallet back, Miguel forgave Setiawan and decided not to pursue legal action, expressing pity for the perpetrator’s physical condition.

Miguel stated he understood Setiawan’s condition and appreciated the Bangli Police’s swift action in solving the case. ‘He is actually a good person. It’s just that this kid has a kleptomania problem,’ Miguel said, excusing the perpetrator’s condition.