US Citizen Deported After Vandalizing Bali Clinic

By Sopian Hadi
April 14, 2025 | 9:26 PM

In a concerning incident that has drawn significant attention, a 27-year-old American citizen, referred to by his initials MM, was deported from Bali on the evening of April 14, 2025. His deportation follows his involvement in an act of vandalism at a medical clinic in South Kuta that went viral over the weekend.

Details of the Incident

The vandalism took place at Nusa Medika Klinik Pratama early Saturday morning, around 5 a.m. According to reports and video evidence circulating online, MM was seen aggressively damaging clinic property. The footage showed him throwing furniture, tearing down curtains, and instilling fear in other patients present at the facility.

Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, expressed his dismay over the incident during a press conference, stating, “We deeply regret and strongly condemn the actions of the individual, who disrupted a protected public space and endangered the safety of others.” He reiterated the island’s commitment to welcoming tourists while emphasizing the importance of respecting Indonesian laws, customs, and cultural values. “There is no room for behavior that threatens public order,” he added.

Legal Actions and Deportation

Following the incident, Bali Police coordinated with immigration officials to assess MM’s legal status. It was established that MM had entered Indonesia on April 2 using a Visa on Arrival, which was valid until May 1. His actions were found to violate Article 406 of the Indonesian Criminal Code concerning vandalism, and he also breached Article 75(1) of Law No. 6/2011 on Immigration. Additionally, officials indicated that his actions contradicted the governor’s circular on the expected conduct of foreign tourists.

The Denpasar Police’s Chief of Criminal Investigation, Commissioner Laorens Rajamangapul Heselo, revealed that MM tested positive for THC, a cannabis derivative, and cocaine. However, no narcotics were found in his possession at the time of his arrest. The use of these substances was estimated to have occurred five to seven days prior to the incident, leading to the decision not to pursue drug charges due to the lack of physical evidence.

“The test showed past usage, but without physical evidence, we did not pursue drug charges,” Heselo explained.

Reaffirming Bali’s Commitment to Lawful Tourism

The deportation highlights the ongoing issues surrounding tourism in Bali, a major destination for international travelers. The provincial government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a positive image for the island as a lawful and culturally respectful place for tourists.

Officials underscored that, despite Bali’s openness to international visitors, adherence to local laws and regulations is mandatory. The incident serves as a reminder to foreign tourists about the importance of respecting the culture and laws of the places they visit.

As Bali continues to attract millions of tourists each year, local authorities are keen on ensuring that incidents of unruly behavior do not tarnish the reputation of the island as a welcoming destination.

The deportation of MM underscores the message that disruptive behavior will not be tolerated, and that the safety and order of public spaces must be upheld.