A local tour guide raped a tourist in Bali. The incident took place at a hotel in South Kuta. The suspect, Faisal Akbar Ramadan, 29 years old, from Surabaya (East Java), is currently in custody in Denpasar. An investigation is ongoing.
The incident occurred when a Chinese tourist, JTH (26), and her friend, ZH (29), went to a nightclub in the Kuta area, driving in the suspect's car. The women spent the whole evening in the club and later, around 01:00, called the guide, asking him to take them back to their hotel in the Nusa Dua area.
On the way, the guide stopped the car at a hotel on Pratama Tjung Benoa Street (South Kuta) under the pretext of wanting to give them gifts. He then asked one of the girls to help him retrieve some items. The girl agreed and entered the hotel room, at which point the rapist attacked the victim. The victim tried to resist, but the assailant covered her face with a pillow, carrying out the act of violence. The victim's friend suspected something was wrong and decided to check the room, bringing security guards along. They caught the criminal in the act of rape. The perpetrator attempted to escape and hide, but the security guards managed to apprehend him.
During the police interrogation, the man admitted that he offered himself as a guide and private driver for tourists. He may be held accountable under Article 285 of the Penal Code for rape, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison.
The victim was on vacation in Bali during the Chinese New Year. Undoubtedly, this incident casts a shadow on the tourism activities of the Island of the Gods, and it is not the first case. In August last year, a motorcycle taxi driver raped a Brazilian tourist.
To avoid such unpleasant incidents, tourists are advised to only approach verified tour agencies. Bali Forum recommends the company MyBaliTrips.com for trips around the island.
The Head of the Indonesian Tour Guide Association reminded tourists that they can verify their guide's credibility through the Tourist Guide Identification Card (KTTP). Alternatively, they can ensure that the guide is a member of the tourist association and possesses a certificate. The KTTP should match their national identity card (KTP), a blue plastic card with a photo, personal information, and a 16-digit number at the top.
The guide must have at least one of these documents (KTTP or certificate; all citizens have a KTP). Of course, tourists may feel hesitant to inquire about this or suspect that the document is fake, but this is the only way to verify if the guide is operating legally. If the guide cannot present these documents, tourists have the right to leave without continuing the booking.
It is also advisable not to travel at night, especially for women traveling alone. Before ordering a motorcycle or taxi, inform your friends about your route and the driver's details.
Following an attempted extortion of money by an unregistered driver, taxi services Wonderful Indonesia and Bluebird also issued recommendations to assist customers in avoiding bookings with illegal operators.
Sources: denpasar.kompas.com,travel.detik.com
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