Bali Governor Addresses Suspected Chicken Thief's Lynching Death, Urges Respect for Humanity

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has stated that law enforcement is currently handling the case of KD, a suspect in a chicken theft who died after being beaten by a mob in Tabanan Regency. The Bali Regional Police have identified five suspects and are proceeding with the investigation. Governor Koster urged residents in each village to maintain the situation within their respective communities. He emphasized the importance of avoiding overreaction, stating, "Even if a criminal act has occurred, humanitarian values must be prioritized first." The provincial government and the Buleleng Regency government are providing support to the victim KD's family, the governor added. Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya also confirmed that the case is under police investigation, with efforts focused on gathering evidence to prove the mob violence that led to the death. Previously, Tabanan Police had identified five suspects – identified by their initials MJ, WS, KB, ML, and ND – in connection with the lynching death of KD, who was suspected of stealing chickens in Batunya Village. The incident occurred on July 24. Police are investigating two separate cases: the alleged theft, handled by the Baturiti Police, and the joint act of violence resulting in death, handled by the Tabanan Police with support from the Bali Regional Police's Directorate of General Criminal Investigation.