Man from Karangasem Arrested for Extorting Truck Drivers on Ida Bagus Mantra Bypass

A man with the initials IWS (50) has been arrested by police after attempting to extort a truck driver on the Ida Bagus Mantra Bypass in East Denpasar, Bali. The man from Karangasem had reportedly extorted truck drivers and food stalls in the area on multiple occasions.

Video footage of the extortion went viral on social media. In the circulating video, IWS is seen carrying a piece of wood and preparing to strike the victim after his demands were not met. The truck driver in the video also appeared angered, having been repeatedly asked for money and cigarettes by IWS.

“As a result of the incident, the victim felt disturbed and uncomfortable because the suspect kept coming and demanding money and cigarettes in a rough manner,” said Denpasar Police Public Relations Head, Iptu I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, in a statement on Saturday (29/8/2026).

Bambang Sutejo (31), the victim of the extortion, was resting when IWS approached him on Friday (21/8). At that time, IWS allegedly demanded two packs of cigarettes from him.

IWS then picked up a bottle and threw it at Bambang after his demand was refused. Following that, IWS grabbed a piece of wood, as seen in the circulating video.

Refusing to accept the treatment, Bambang threatened to report IWS to the police. Upon hearing this, IWS quickly fled on his motorcycle.

“He took his motorcycle and fled. As a result of the incident, the victim filed a report for further processing,” Adi added.

After conducting a series of investigations, police finally managed to apprehend IWS. During interrogation, IWS admitted to committing extortion six times on Jalan Ida Bagus Mantra.

According to Adi, IWS could obtain up to 100,000 rupiah from his extortion activities. Additionally, IWS was known to have bought food and cigarettes at a stall without paying.

For his actions, IWS has been charged under Article 482 of the Criminal Code on extortion. He faces a maximum sentence of nine years in prison.