Man Stabs Friend in Denpasar Dorm Over Harsh Jokes
Denpasar Barat Police Station officers have arrested a man identified as RNPL, alias Berto (31), suspected of stabbing his friend, YDP. The bloody incident occurred at a dormitory on Jalan Gunung Salak Gang Dahlia, Padangsambian Kelod, Denpasar Barat.
Denpasar Barat Police Chief Kompol Ni Wayan Adnyani Prabawati revealed the stabbing was triggered by long-held resentment from the suspect towards the victim. “The suspect admitted being treated harshly by the victim under the guise of jokes, which caused him deep resentment,” she stated on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
The suspect now faces charges under Article 466(2) of Indonesia’s Criminal Code, carrying a maximum prison sentence of five years.
The incident began when the suspect was drinking alcohol with two friends, KR and MR, at the dormitory on Wednesday, 20 May evening. Shortly after, the victim arrived to visit his cousin living there and was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.
The victim approached the suspect, engaging in physical “jokes” such as hitting his head, squeezing his neck, and grabbing his face. Although described as mere teasing, the actions provoked the suspect into a verbal altercation.
Bystanders and the dorm owner, also a local security officer, intervened to calm the situation. After tensions subsided, the victim went upstairs to meet his family, but the suspect still harboured anger. He retrieved a knife from his room and followed the victim upstairs.
Upon encountering him on the second floor, the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim once in the chest. He then returned downstairs, hid the weapon, and fled the scene.
The case was reported by a witness named Jekson. Following witness statements and on-site investigations, police pursued the suspect, who was apprehended in Jimbaran the following day, Thursday, 21 May, with assistance from the Flobamora community.
Police seized a 10-centimetre-bladed knife and a long-sleeved black shirt labelled “EXCELLENT” as evidence. During questioning, the suspect confessed to all charges, stating he acted out of anger after repeatedly being subjected to the victim’s harsh jokes.