BALI – Two Iranian nationals, identified by the initials BM, 47, and MH, 71, who are uncle and nephew, were deported from Bali on Friday, October 9, 2026, after a video linked to an alleged Rp800,000 theft using a suspected hypnosis tactic at Bajera Market in Tabanan went viral on social media.
The Denpasar Immigration Detention Center (Rudenim Denpasar) deported the two men to Iran through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Both were also placed on Indonesia’s immigration blacklist, preventing them from re-entering the country for the duration of the applicable ban.
Head of Rudenim Denpasar, Teguh Mentalyadi, explained that BM and MH entered Indonesia using Visit Stay Permits (ITK) through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on September 12, 2026. They subsequently stayed at a hotel in the Kuta area of Badung Regency.
Alleged Theft at Bajera Market, Tabanan The alleged incident occurred at Bajera Market, Selemadeg District, Tabanan Regency, on Friday, September 18, 2026.
According to information received by authorities, the two men allegedly pretended to buy granulated sugar and asked the shopkeeper to exchange money. During the transaction, money belonging to the victim and stored inside a bag was allegedly taken.
The victim reportedly suffered a loss of Rp800,000. CCTV footage of the incident later circulated on social media, drawing public attention and raising concerns about the alleged theft.
After the two men were traced to the Kuta area, they were apprehended by Kuta Police on Sunday, September 20, 2026. They were subsequently handed over to Tabanan Police for further handling.
During the handling of the case, mediation involving the shop owner and police, with assistance from legal counsel, resulted in a settlement between the parties.
Despite the settlement, Tabanan Police recommended the deportation of both Iranian nationals to the Tabanan Class III Non-TPI Immigration Office on September 21, 2026. On September 22, the two men were transferred to Rudenim Denpasar for immigration detention while awaiting the completion of administrative requirements and arrangements for their return to Iran.
Deported Under Indonesia’s Immigration Law Teguh Mentalyadi said the deportation was carried out as a follow-up to the administrative immigration measures imposed on the two foreign nationals.
The deportation was based on Article 75(1) of Indonesia’s Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration. The provision authorizes immigration officials to impose administrative immigration measures against foreign nationals whose activities are dangerous or reasonably suspected of threatening public security and order.
The two Iranian nationals were deported to Tehran, Iran, on Friday, October 9, 2026. Their deportation and inclusion on the immigration blacklist form part of the administrative measures taken by Indonesian immigration authorities.
Authorities reiterated that all foreign nationals visiting or residing in Indonesia must comply with Indonesian law and respect public safety and order.
The alleged theft remains an allegation. The reported use of hypnosis has not been established as a proven fact in the information provided by authorities.
