Bali Governor Urges Customary Leaders to Prevent Repeat of Fatal Mob Attack
Denpasar (ANTARA) - Bali Governor Wayan Koster has asked bendesa, or customary village leaders, to strengthen the village’s role in preventing a recurrence of the mob beating that caused the death of a suspected chicken thief in Tabanan Regency.
“I will speak with the bendesa there and other bendesa so that they can help their residents understand that such actions must not be repeated,” said Koster in Denpasar on Tuesday.
He made the remarks following a coordination meeting with the Bali Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), which addressed a number of security and public order issues.
According to Koster, the incident in Banjar Dinas Juwuk Legi, Batunya Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan, must be handled calmly, with priority given to humanity and the legal process.
“Everyone must maintain the situation in their respective villages; there is no need to be overly reactive. Even if taking preventive action, humanity must be upheld first — actions like that must not be carried out,” he said.
He said security and public order are not only the responsibility of the authorities, but also require public awareness to exercise restraint, respect the legal process, and refrain from spreading information that does not accord with the facts.
The Bali Regional Police Chief has reported to the governor that five people suspected of involvement in the beating have been taken into custody and are still undergoing processing.
Police are still gathering evidence to prove the alleged criminal act of mob assault that resulted in the death of a person suspected of stealing chickens.
Koster also confirmed that the potential for conflict between villages — namely between Batunya Village in Baturiti and Sidatapa Village — has been prevented by the Bali Regional Police.
“No, it has been prevented by the police; advisories have been issued to each village, and the five individuals have been taken into custody,” he said.
According to him, such programmes come not only from the Bali Provincial Government, but also from the central government and district/municipal governments.
Therefore, economic hardship cannot be used as an excuse to commit unlawful acts.
“When it comes to economic equality, it is not just one or two villages — every village in Bali has the right to experience equitable economic development and empowerment. The Bali Provincial Government and district/municipal governments are collaborating,” he said.
Koster emphasised that development and economic empowerment must be felt equitably by the community so that social problems can be addressed at their root and community resilience at the village level strengthened.