Man Found Dead by Kaliasem River After Declining Help from Residents

A 61-year-old man was found dead on the riverbank in Banjar Dinas Bunut Panggang, Kaliasem Village, Banjar District, Buleleng, on Saturday (5/9/2026). A day earlier, the victim had been found by residents in a weakened condition after falling together with his motorcycle.

The victim was identified as Jozua Yusuf Paat, a resident of Jakarta who lived in Banjar Dinas Bunut Panggang, Kaliasem Village.

Buleleng Police Public Relations Head Iptu Yohana Rosalin Diaz said the incident began on Friday (4/9/2026) at around 4:00 p.m. WITA. At that time, residents received information that someone had fallen into the river.

“Residents then went to the location and found the victim lying on the riverbank together with the motorcycle he was riding,” said Yohana on Sunday (6/9/2026).

Residents then helped lift the victim and move his motorcycle. At that time, the victim was still alive in a somewhat weakened condition. The victim also mentioned that his house was near the location.

However, the victim refused when residents offered to take him home. Residents then left the victim sitting at the location.

The following day, Saturday at around 6:45 a.m. WITA, a resident approached the victim again. Upon checking, the victim was still in the same place and not moving.

Residents then tried splashing water on the victim’s face, but received no response. The incident was subsequently reported to village officials and the police.

The medical team from Puskesmas 1 Banjar then conducted an examination of the victim. The examination found no signs of violence on the victim’s body. Only abrasions were found, believed to be from the fall.

“Rigor mortis is estimated to have occurred no more than 12 hours prior. In addition, medication was found in the victim’s bag,” said Yohana.

When found, the victim was wearing black shorts and a blue t-shirt. Officers also found a black Billabong sling bag containing several of the victim’s belongings.

Among them were an identity card, a driving licence (SIM A), an ATM card, a hospital treatment card, medication, a mobile phone, and approximately Rp 565,000 in cash.

Police are still handling the discovery of the body. Based on the initial examination by the medical team, no signs of violence have been found on the victim’s body so far.