6-2-2025 (JAKARTA) Police operation in Bali has led to the rescue of an 11-year-old boy who was kidnapped from his primary school by a former employee of his father’s business, authorities confirmed yesterday.
The victim, identified only by his initials IMRAK due to his age, was abducted at approximately 1:30 PM local time on Wednesday from his school in Denpasar. The suspect, I Wayan Sudirta, 29, from Karangasem, was apprehended following an intensive manhunt.
Detective Inspector Nur Habib, head of Criminal Investigation at South Denpasar Police, told reporters that the incident came to light when the boy’s regular transport arrangement was disrupted. “The family became alarmed when their employee, who was meant to collect the child, reported his absence from the usual pickup point,” Habib said.
Upon reviewing the school’s CCTV footage, investigators observed the young pupil being whisked away on a motorcycle by an unknown individual. The boy’s parents, prominent local business owners, immediately alerted law enforcement after confirming their son’s disappearance.
In a coordinated response, police units conducted an extensive search operation, focusing on key areas including I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The breakthrough came when officers located Sudirta and the boy in a garden adjacent to PT Indonesia Power in Pesanggaran Hamlet, Pedungan Village.
“The suspect attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by our officers,” Inspector Habib revealed. “Most importantly, we found the child unharmed.”
Sudirta, who previously worked for the victim’s father, is currently in custody at South Denpasar Police Station, where he faces questioning. Authorities have not yet disclosed potential motives for the kidnapping, as investigations continue.
