Man with Mental Illness Handed Over to Social Services After Stealing Money from Food Stall in Mataram

A man identified as R has been handed over to the Social Services Office (Dinsos) of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) following his apprehension for theft. The individual with mental illness (ODGJ) allegedly stole money from a food stall and was subsequently secured by community police officers and military personnel from Pejarakan District, Ampenan Sub-district, Mataram City.

“Based on the identification documents held, the individual in question is suspected to be a person with mental illness, as evidenced by the yellow identity card he possesses,” explained Ipda Komang Gede Puja Artana, head of criminal investigation at Ampenan Police Precinct, on Monday (16 March 2026).

Puja stated that R allegedly stole from the cash register of a casual food stall (warung makan lesehan) in the Ampenan area of Mataram City. According to him, the stall owner only discovered the theft after cash totalling 2.5 million rupiah that had been kept at the cash register went missing.

“Several employees present at the location reported seeing the individual in question taking the money,” he said.

Police did not pursue legal proceedings against the 26-year-old man due to his documented history of mental illness. Puja stated that R has been transferred to NTB Social Services to receive treatment in accordance with proper procedures.

“We urge the public to immediately report any similar incidents, particularly those involving individuals with mental health conditions, so they can be handled promptly and appropriately by the relevant authorities,” he concluded.