Bali Tourists Avoid Rp 500,000 Police Extortion After Being Caught on Hidden Camera

Two police officers in Bali are suspected of attempting to carry out an illegal levy (pungli) against a pair of tourists under the pretext of a Rp 500,000 traffic fine. However, the two officers suddenly released the foreign tourists after realising their entire conversation was secretly recorded with a hidden camera.

The moment the police stopped the pair of tourists went viral on social media. The incident is known to have occurred at the Semer Intersection Police Post, Kerobokan Kelod Village, North Kuta, Badung. Based on the circulating video, the police stopped the tourists because the woman was not wearing a helmet while riding.

“She couldn’t wear the helmet because the size was too big, it always fell off,” said the male tourist, giving a reason to the officer as quoted from the video viewed by detikBali on Thursday (30/4/2026).

The traffic police then explained the fine that had to be paid to the state by the tourists, amounting to Rp 500,000. The police also asked about the duration of the tourists’ stay in Bali.

The tourist then explained that they would leave Bali the next day. Hearing that, the police officer asked the tourists to immediately complete the traffic fine administrative process and pay the fine according to procedure.

“Pay now, done. Yes, this is the rule in our country, pay to the government,” said the police in broken English.

Bargaining occurred because the tourists claimed they did not have enough cash. To the police, they said they only had Rp 200,000.

One of the police officers, not captured on camera, then told his colleague that the conversation with the tourists was being recorded. He mentioned there was a camera on the female tourist’s glasses. Suddenly, the police let the two tourists continue their journey under the pretext of giving a warning.

“Okay, okay, this is a warning for you,” said the officer.

Because they were released and did not have to pay the Rp 500,000 fine, the male tourist shook the officer’s hand while joking by calling him a brother. The video went viral on social media. Not a few netizens regretted the police’s actions because they were deemed to tarnish Bali’s tourism image.

Badung Police Chief Apologises

Badung Police Chief AKBP Joseph Edward Purba confirmed that the viral video involved two of his members. The incident occurred when the two police were taking action against motorbike riders who ran a red light and did not wear helmets at Semer Intersection in March 2026.

“As the leader of Badung Police, I convey an apology to the public regarding the viral incident. Where the incident has attracted public attention involving two members of Badung Police,” said Joseph at Badung Police Headquarters.

Joseph explained that the two personnel on duty at the time were Aiptu NA and Aiptu IGNAA. Based on the circulating recording, the fine details were Rp 500,000 for the red light violation and Rp 250,000 for the motorcyclist not wearing a helmet.

“According to the applicable rules, in accordance with Traffic Law No. 22 of 2009, it is in line with the fine stated by the officer. Regarding the incident, it is also emphasised that there was no receipt of money in any form by the officer,” added the former Karangasem Police Chief.

Although they mentioned the fine amount in accordance with the legislation, the two tourists who violated traffic rules were ultimately released by the officers. The two police only gave a verbal reprimand without seizure or receiving payment.

“Our officers gave a reprimand to the violators at the post. At that time, as explained in the video clip, our officers had explained the violations committed by the traffic violators,” added Joseph.

Intensively Examined by Propam

Meanwhile, Aiptu NA and Aiptu IGNAA, who were about to carry out pungli disguised as a Rp 500,000 fine to a pair of foreign tourists, are being intensively examined by the Profession and Security Section (Propam) of Badung Police. Aiptu NA and Aiptu IGNAA are members of the Traffic Unit (Satlantas) of Badung Police.

“I have ordered the Propam unit to intensively examine the two members to fully understand the chronology of the incident. If violations are found, we will take firm action,” said Joseph at Badung Police on Thursday.

The internal examination of Aiptu NA and Aiptu IGNAA focuses on the procedure for issuing traffic fines during the incident. Although the fine amount is claimed to be in accordance with Law No. 22 of 2009, the police are still investigating whether there were any procedural violations by Aiptu NA and Aiptu IGNAA.

“Our members had an attempt to convey or commit a violation because they should have directly issued the ticket. According to the applicable rules, in accordance with Traffic Law No. 22 of 2009, in line with the fine stated by the officer,” emphasised Joseph.

Based on the investigation, Joseph said the foreign man involved in the recording is a content creator. Joseph suspects the tourist deliberately recorded the moment he was stopped by the police for social media content purposes.

Nevertheless, the police are still delving into the motive behind the video’s dissemination. Including the possibility of legal violations from the uploader’s side.

“There is a possibility (of deliberately seeking officer’s mistakes), of course we will delve into what was done by that citizen. Therefore, we will continue to investigate the dissemination of the video to see if there is indeed a violation or not,” explained Joseph.

This case, Joseph emphasised, serves as evaluation material for Badung Police in improving the quality of public services, especially in the era of information openness. Joseph reminded his subordinates to always be vigilant and work according to regulations.