Dutch Tourist Killed in Bali Stabbing, Tourism Agency Claims Island Remains Safe

Bali’s Tourism Agency (Dispar) claims that tourism on the Island of the Gods remains relatively safe despite being marred by the stabbing death of a Dutch national at a villa in Kerobokan, Badung. The victim, with initials RP, was killed, and the perpetrators are still being pursued by police. “The occurrence of one or two cases does not mean Bali is unsafe; of course, Bali is very safe for tourists,” said Head of Bali Tourism Agency I Wayan Sumarajaya to detikBali on Thursday (26/3/2026). Nevertheless, Sumarajaya stressed that every case damaging Bali’s tourism image will be handled properly. “Through coordination, we can undertake joint efforts with various parties,” he added. Subsequently, the Bali Provincial Government will enhance coordination with various parties to maintain Bali’s security. “Increasing coordination with various parties needs to be intensified to safeguard Bali’s security,” Sumarajaya explained. Earlier, RP (49) was found dead, covered in blood, in front of the villa where he was staying in Banjar Anyar Kelod, Kerobokan, North Kuta, Badung, Bali, on Monday night (23/3/2026). The victim is suspected to have been the target of severe assault by two mysterious men. The bloody incident occurred between 22:00 and 22:50 WITA. At the time, the victim was with his girlfriend, initials PI (30), who had just returned from a walk around the villa area. North Kuta Police Chief, Kompol I Ketut Agus Pasek Sudina, stated that the incident began when the victim and PI passed by two men riding tandem on a motorbike. “They passed by the perpetrators who were riding together. Upon noticing suspicious behaviour, the victim told his girlfriend to lock the villa door, but the perpetrators immediately attacked with a knife,” said Agus Pasek Sudina on Tuesday (24/3/2026). The two perpetrators turned around and blocked the victim. One wore an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) jacket, black helmet, and blue mask. The other wore an orange T-shirt without a helmet. As PI tried to escape, the perpetrators brutally attacked the victim with a knife.