New Zealand National on Trial in Bali for Throwing Object at Bar TV, Causing Property Damage
A trial has begun at the Denpasar District Court for a New Zealand national, identified as Kieran, accused of throwing an object at a television at Sense Sport Bar, causing approximately Rp5.8 million in damages. The incident reportedly occurred after a heated phone argument, and he is charged under Article 521(1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code.
A trial opened at the Denpasar District Court on October 27 for a New Zealand national identified as Kieran, who is accused of damaging property at Sense Sport Bar. Prosecutor Fisher Valen J. Simanjuntak read the indictment, charging the defendant under Article 521(1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code.
According to the indictment, the incident began when the defendant arrived alone at Sense Sport Bar around 10:20 PM local time. He ordered three bottles of beer and a glass of whiskey, then sat at the bartender's counter. An employee, Dewa Gede Angga Tribawa, was on duty at the time.
After consuming two bottles of beer and a glass of whiskey, around 11:00 PM, the defendant got into a loud phone argument in English. After ending the call, he asked the employee to film him using his own mobile phone. While being recorded, the defendant reportedly picked up a cat-shaped ornament from the bar counter with his right hand and threw it at a television.
The act is alleged to have caused approximately Rp5.8 million (around USD 370) in losses to the company managing the bar. The trial is ongoing, presided over by Judge I Gusti Ayu Akhiryani.
Things to Consider
If a dispute arises at a bar or restaurant, avoid impulsive actions and calmly communicate with staff instead. Property damage can lead to criminal charges and financial liability under Indonesian law. Visitors and residents should maintain self-control especially when drinking, and consider stepping away from the venue if a phone call or argument becomes heated. Be aware that acts which may seem minor can still result in formal prosecution under local law.
Source: Radar Badung