Police Arrest Man in Gianyar for Indecent Act Against Primary School Student, Not Kidnapping

A resident of Banjar Badung, Melinggih Village, Payangan District, Gianyar, initialled IGM, has been arrested by police. The 29-year-old was the unknown individual who had initially been suspected of attempting to abduct a pupil of SDN 3 Kerta in Banjar Penyabangan, Payangan District, sparking fear among the school’s students.

“In less than 24 hours, we secured a suspect at his boarding house in Banjar Badung, Melinggih Village, Payangan District,” said Payangan Police Chief AKP I Putu Budi Artama in a statement on Friday (24/7/2026).

Budi said there was no indication that IGM had attempted to abduct any pupil of SDN 3 Kerta. What IGM had in fact done was commit an indecent act against a child.

At the time of the incident, IGM tried to lure one of the pupils of SDN 3 Kerta with the promise of sweets. He then made lewd gestures and was about to expose his genitals in front of the pupil.

“According to the victim’s testimony, the perpetrator behaved indecently and was about to show his genitals. The victim was frightened and cried,” said Budi.

Budi said IGM has now been apprehended and taken into custody at the Payangan Police Station from his boarding house in Banjar Badung. Several pieces of evidence, including clothing, a motorcycle and other items belonging to IGM, have been seized by police.

For his actions, IGM has been charged under Article 36 of Law Number 44 of 2008 on Pornography, which carries a penalty of ten years’ imprisonment.

“We have secured the perpetrator at the Payangan Police Station to undergo further questioning in accordance with the applicable law. We also urge the public to remain calm and not be anxious. Always be vigilant towards unknown individuals.”

Earlier, news of a suspected attempted child abduction in Gianyar, Bali, went viral on social media. The incident involved a pupil of SDN 3 Kerta, Banjar Penyabangan, Payangan District, Gianyar.

The pupil was reportedly the target of an attempted abduction by an unknown individual. In a post by a social media account, the pupil recounted her experience, saying she had been called over by an unknown man.