On 30/3, Belda Brig Sando, a professional martial artist and gym owner in Bali, posted a video showing him restraining a Russian tourist with a chokehold due to the tourist's inappropriate behavior in the area.

According to Belda, around 0:30 AM that same day, he left the Uluwatu area, a popular destination known for its late-night bars. He encountered a drunken Russian tourist who blocked strangers' paths, hit them on the head, and then sexually harassed a girl in Belda's group. This enraged Belda, who then restrained the tourist until he showed signs of passing out.

"Respect the Balinese people. There are many foreigners causing trouble here; do not become one of them," Belda shouted as many surrounding tourists intervened to prevent further serious consequences.

Belda restrains the Russian tourist. *Screenshot*.

On 31/3, Belda posted an apology video for his actions, stating it was an emotional outburst. However, he emphasized he needed to intervene because the Russian tourist had crossed the line. He said Balinese people are always hospitable and kind, but respect needs to be mutual.

This incident is the latest warning about the increasing trend of tourists exhibiting inappropriate behavior in Bali. In 2025, Bali island authorities launched a tourist education campaign and issued a code of conduct under Governor Wayan Koster. The new guidelines require tourists to dress modestly at spiritual sites, respect local customs, and absolutely avoid violent acts or environmental destruction.

"We want to ensure that Bali's tourism industry develops sustainably and in harmony with local traditional values," Governor Koster stated.

However, direct conflicts between locals and tourists remain a persistent problem for this paradise island. Earlier this year, a group of foreign tourists fought outside a supermarket in Kuta, forcing locals to intervene.

During Bali's sacred Nyepi holiday this year (19/3), at least two foreign tourists were arrested for deliberately violating the 24-hour street ban. One tourist, upon arrest, expressed disagreement with the regulation and was threatened with a permanent ban from returning to Indonesia by a Balinese politician.

Hoai Anh (According to New York Post, News Au)