Australian arrested after glass pub sign smashed in Pecatu, Bali

Badung, Bali — Police have arrested a 41-year-old Australian man accused of smashing a glass advertising sign outside Gabet’s Pub Restaurant & Karaoke in Pecatu, South Kuta, after the incident was captured on CCTV and shared on social media.

According to South Kuta Police, the damage occurred at around 1:25 p.m. WITA on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, on Jalan Labuansait in Pecatu, Kuta Selatan, Badung. Officers later identified the suspect by his initials, JDB, and arrested him at around 10 a.m. WITA on Wednesday, 9 September, at the accommodation where he was staying in the South Kuta area.

Police said CCTV footage showed the man buying a smoothie at a nearby shop, then suddenly throwing his drink toward Youtopia Bali Smoothie before crossing the road in the direction of Gabet’s Pub. He allegedly shouted, used abusive language and threw a stone at the pub’s glass billboard, which shattered after being struck twice.

Investigators reported that the suspect then left the location on a black Yamaha XMAX motorcycle. The pub’s management subsequently reported the incident to South Kuta Police, who secured the broken glass sign as evidence and began tracing the suspect using witness statements and CCTV recordings.

Police investigation

Initial reports from police and local media described officers as still working to identify the foreign national involved in the damage, with the case going viral after footage circulated online. Criminal investigators from South Kuta Police inspected the scene, interviewed witnesses and reviewed CCTV footage before confirming the suspect’s identity as JDB, a 41-year-old Australian citizen.

Denpasar Police spokesperson First Inspector I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya said that JDB admitted to damaging the glass billboard and throwing his drink during questioning. According to the spokesperson, the man told investigators he had been under stress due to family problems, which led to a loss of emotional control.

Police noted that the incident caused concern among people in the vicinity, as the disturbance took place on a busy tourist road and was shared widely on social media platforms.

Settlement with pub management

After JDB was taken to the South Kuta Police station, officers facilitated a meeting between the suspect and the management of Gabet’s Pub Restaurant & Karaoke. Police said JDB acknowledged his actions, expressed regret and apologised to the establishment’s representatives.

According to statements reported by local media, both parties agreed to resolve the matter amicably following police mediation. Details of any financial compensation or the precise value of the damage have not been disclosed.

Key facts of the case

• Incident: Damage to a glass advertising billboard belonging to Gabet’s Pub Restaurant & Karaoke.
• Location: Jalan Labuansait, Pecatu, Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali.
• Time and date of incident: Around 1:25 p.m. WITA on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.
• Suspect: Australian citizen, initials JDB, aged 41.
• Arrest: Around 10 a.m. WITA on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, at his lodging in South Kuta.
• Vehicle: Black Yamaha XMAX motorcycle used to leave the scene.

Local police and media reports focus on alleged property damage and the subsequent settlement between the suspect and the pub’s management. Available statements do not indicate that the case is connected to other incidents involving foreign nationals in Bali’s nightlife areas.

Sources

• Kumparan
• JPNN Bali
• Indonesian Updates (republishing police-based report)
• Detik Bali
• Visit Gilis
• Bali Post
• Tribun Bali
• Media Indonesia
• The Bali Times