Married Couple Steals Jewellery in Ubud, Proceeds Used for Plastic Surgery
Two residents of Kemenuh Village, Sukawati District, Gianyar, Bali, identified as Gusti SA (33) and Komang SD (33), have been arrested by police after stealing jewellery belonging to Ni Kadek Dewi Hariswati in Petulu Village, Ubud. The proceeds from selling the stolen jewellery were used for daily lifestyle needs, paying off debts, and even plastic surgery.
“It was used for their day-to-day lifestyle needs, and then for plastic surgery,” said the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Ubud Police Station, Iptu Made Juliahendra, at a press conference at Gianyar Police Headquarters on Tuesday (21/7/2026).
Juliahendra said SA and SD had first kept watch over Hariswati’s house for several days before carrying out the theft.
After confirming the house as their target, the pair approached Hariswati’s home while pretending to ask about boarding accommodation and a salon, so as not to arouse suspicion.
“That was the first theft committed by the two suspects, on 4 July 2026, at around 12.30pm local time. Their method was to ask about boarding houses and where a salon was located,” said Juliahendra.
When the victim was off her guard, SA and SD made off with Hariswati’s jewellery. The 48-year-old victim did not immediately realise her jewellery had been stolen.
Five days later, SA and SD returned to the victim’s house using the same ruse. When Hariswati was again caught off guard and the house was quiet, the pair once more took jewellery that had been kept in a box.
“The method was the same. When the victim was off guard and the house was empty, the two suspects struck. However, on the second occasion, the victim only then realised what had happened and reported it to us,” he said.
Two pieces of Hariswati’s jewellery stolen by SA and SD were subsequently sold, netting the pair Rp 90 million.
The married couple, who work as hotel employees, used the money from the sale of the stolen jewellery to pay off debts, meet daily needs, and undergo plastic surgery.
“The money from the sale of the stolen jewellery has already been spent by the suspects. Only some ten-odd million rupiah remains, and that is what we have seized,” he said.
The victim had earlier reported the theft to the police. Following an investigation, officers identified SA and SD as the perpetrators.
The two were then arrested at their boarding house in Kemenuh Village. The couple have been charged under Article 477 of the Criminal Code on Theft, which carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years.