Residents Thwart Theft at Banyuning Temple in Buleleng, 2 Perpetrators Flee

A theft at the sacred precinct of Pura Pemayun, Banyuning Tengah, Buleleng, Bali, has been thwarted by residents. Two suspected perpetrators have been apprehended by locals, whilst two others escaped with stolen goods.

Iptu Yohana Rosalin Diaz, Public Relations Officer of Buleleng Police Resort, disclosed that the theft occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 17 March 2026. Two perpetrators apprehended by residents are currently in custody, whilst the other two remain subject to police pursuit.

“Correct, two perpetrators were apprehended by residents. Two others fled and we are still pursuing them,” said Yohana on Tuesday.

Yohana explained that a number of residents had gathered at the banjar hall in front of the temple at approximately 23:30 Wita (local time). Residents grew suspicious upon observing the movements of four unknown individuals entering the temple area.

Subsequently, residents checked the situation inside the temple. Shortly thereafter, the four unknown individuals emerged from the temple area via the direction of SDN 1 Banyuning whilst carrying items believed to be rice.

Upon witnessing this, residents immediately chased the four individuals. Two perpetrators were successfully captured at the location – a man and a woman respectively. The other two perpetrators escaped using a green Honda Beat motorcycle.

Police arrived at the scene shortly after receiving a report. The two suspected perpetrators apprehended by residents were subsequently taken to Singaraja Police Station.

“The identities of the two apprehended perpetrators are Komang GS (40) and Komang A, both from Kelurahan Penarukan,” said Yohana.

Police seized a Honda Grand motorcycle without a registration plate that was used by the suspected perpetrators during the crime. Yohana emphasised that police are still pursuing the two other suspected perpetrators who managed to escape.