Australian Man Peter Barkell Exhibits Disturbing Behavior in Ubud, Bali
Ubud, Bali — An unsettling incident involving a 66-year-old Australian man named Peter Arthur Barkell has recently unfolded in Ubud, Bali. The events took place at the Ina Inn on Jalan Bisma, where Barkell was staying. His erratic conduct over several days raised concerns among the local community, police, and accommodation staff.
Incident Overview
According to reports confirmed by local news outlet BeritaBali.com, Barkell was first noticed acting oddly on the morning of Friday, August 1, 2025. At around 10:00 a.m., he was observed behaving nervously and aggressively, including throwing a bucket at one of the Inn’s employees. Additionally, Barkell caused damage to a garden area adjacent to the accommodation. This behavior was captured by the Inn’s CCTV system, providing visual evidence of the disturbances.
The situation escalated the following day, Saturday, August 2, at approximately 3:00 p.m. Nyoman Wahyu Ina Ananda, a 31-year-old staff member at the Inn, attempted to engage with Barkell, who by then was withdrawing further into himself. Disturbingly, Barkell was reportedly holding a knife and inflicting self-harm by making cuts on his arm. Despite efforts to communicate, Barkell remained silent and resisted interaction.
Community and Police Response
Given the potential danger to himself and others, Ananda reached out to the local community watch, known as pacalang, as well as the Ubud Police Precinct. Officers arrived on the scene by 5:00 p.m. and found Barkell asleep at the Inn. By 6:30 p.m., he had awakened and was able to speak with the villa’s owner, allowing authorities to assess his condition.
Follow-Up and Current Status
Barkell, who had originally booked his stay at the Ina Inn from June 28 through August 15, 2025, was subsequently relocated to a different accommodation by a friend. Ubud police have confirmed that Barkell has moved to a new hotel and that they will continue monitoring the situation to ensure safety and well-being.
This unusual case highlights challenges faced by local communities and authorities in managing mental health crises, particularly involving expatriates and tourists. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt response in safeguarding both residents and visitors.
Related Topics:
- Bali Tourists: Follow the Rules and Regulations
- Managing Expatriate Stress in Bali
- Recent Cases of Foreigners Causing Disturbances in Bali
Authorities encourage residents and visitors alike to report any suspicious or dangerous behavior promptly to maintain a safe environment for everyone in Bali’s popular tourist regions.
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