Police in Bali are investigating a brawl involving a group of Australians outside Motel Mexicola Seminyak, with immigration authorities being consulted over possible deportations.
The fight broke out on October 1 after an incident inside the popular bar in Seminyak, southern Bali. North Kuta police said the confrontation appeared to have begun with two Australian men and may have been worsened by alcohol.
Police chief I Ketut Sukadana said the incident was initially triggered by a misunderstanding, “possibly compounded by excessive alcohol consumption”.
Footage showed a shirtless man running towards the entrance, followed by several others believed to be Australian nationals. He then became involved in a physical altercation with another man as three people tried to pull him away.
As the fight continued, another man was seen striking the shirtless individual before friends dragged him away from the area. Police said CCTV from inside the venue showed two men exchanging blows in the middle of a crowd.
Motel Mexicola Seminyak manager Gusti Putu Wira Suparta told police the group was separated and the men escorted outside, where the confrontation continued.
One of the men allegedly tried repeatedly to get back into the bar to reach his opponent, attacking and striking people who attempted to stop him, including security staff, police said.
No arrests have been made, Mr Sukadana said, while officers continue to investigate the incident. Police are also coordinating with local authorities and immigration officials regarding possible deportation.
Mr Sukadana said security measures would be strengthened in the North Kuta area. Police would gather security personnel, remind them to act within their authority and provide bar owners with guidance on handling incidents, he added.
“We warn foreign nationals visiting Bali, particularly the North Kuta area, to engage in positive and orderly activities and not to disturb public safety and order,” Mr Sukadana said.
He added that any foreign nationals who breached the rules could face action coordinated with immigration authorities, including deportation.
