Truck Driver in Bali Set Ablaze by Employer Over Daily Earnings Dispute

A truck driver, identified by the initials GS (21) from Muncan Village, Selat District, Karangasem, Bali, was set on fire by his employer following a dispute over daily earnings. The victim sustained serious burn injuries.

According to reports, the incident took place at the victim’s residence this afternoon. GS has been referred to Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar for treatment.

“It is true, the victim has been referred to Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital in serious condition with severe burns,” stated Karangasem Police Chief AKBP I Made Santika on Friday (18/09/2026).

“The perpetrator has also been detained; the perpetrator is the victim’s employer,” he added.

Information gathered indicates that the incident began when the suspect, the victim’s boss, arrived at GS’s house. The perpetrator arrived to demand truck earnings that had not been handed over for several days.

The perpetrator then entered the victim’s room and found GS resting. At the time, the victim was reportedly unwell and had been unable to work for two days.

A confrontation ensued regarding the payment. The victim was reportedly only able to provide a portion of the required amount.

The perpetrator allegedly became emotional after receiving an insufficient amount of money, throwing the funds onto the floor.

Shortly thereafter, the perpetrator allegedly poured Pertalite (gasoline) that he had brought onto the victim. GS was then allegedly set on fire while still alive.

The fire did not only affect the victim’s body but also ignited the 3x4 metre bedroom occupied by GS.

GS managed to run out of the room while on fire to seek help. A local resident who witnessed the incident shouted for assistance.