A former bikie boss was detained in Bali after being found in the toilet of a private jet. The jet was reportedly bound for Africa.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.
Must readIndonesian authorities apprehended an Australian fugitive hiding in the lavatory of a private jet at Bali's Denpasar airport on Saturday, June 7. The pilot was instructed to return to the VIP Terminal from the runway after immigration officials grew suspicious of a man traveling with a Brazilian passport, lacking an Indonesian entry record or valid residence permit. The man, identified by Australian media as Angelo Pandeli, a prominent motorbike gang member linked to drug trafficking and wanted by Interpol, was found in the lavatory while three other passengers and three crew members were in the cabin. They were preparing to depart for Maputo, Mozambique. Pandeli, 55, suspected in large-scale drug smuggling operations, was using someone else's Brazilian passport to evade arrest. He was deported to Australia from Indonesia late Wednesday. Indonesian authorities have stated their commitment to preventing Bali from becoming a haven for international criminals, citing a previous arrest in April of a Scottish fugitive wanted for drug charges and money laundering.
Must readThe Indonesian Rupiah's weakening against the US dollar initially benefited tourists, but rising fuel costs in Bali are now affecting vacation spending. As of June 10, 2026, Pertamax RON 92 increased by 32% from IDR 12,300 to IDR 16,250 per liter, and Pertamax Green RON 95 rose from IDR 12,900 to IDR 17,000 per liter. This price hike, coupled with the end of fuel price caps, directly impacts tourist transportation costs, a significant component of travel packages. Local Bali tour operator Erna Saenah noted that most tourist vehicles switched to Pertamax after restrictions on subsidized fuel, making the increase noticeable. She expects higher costs for tour packages, with transportation accounting for about 50% of the package price. These increased distribution costs will also affect hotel and restaurant services, including supply deliveries, potentially leading to higher room rates. While tourist arrivals remain stable, leaders are planning marketing campaigns to attract visitors from Australia, New Zealand, China, India, and other Asian regions. Despite these challenges, Bali is expected to remain an affordable destination for most travelers.
Must readGili Putih, also known as White Island, is a secluded sandbar located near Sumberkima in North Bali. This uninhabited island is only accessible and visible during low tide, and its shape changes with each tidal cycle. While long known to local communities and fishermen, Gili Putih is now gaining attention from tourists. Local accommodations, including Sumberkima Hill Retreat and Mangroove Bay Hostel, collaborate with the community to offer exclusive trips. Sumberkima Hill Retreat provides luxury dinner experiences on Gili Putih, featuring beach barbecues, fresh seafood, and Indonesian cuisine with sunset views. Guests can also reach Gili Putih via stand-up paddleboard or kayak, with options for mangrove forest paddles and snorkeling. North and Northwest Bali are noted for their coral gardens, which have undergone significant conservation and restoration efforts, making them a rapidly growing coral ecosystem in Bali Province. Sumberkima Hill Retreat offers various villas, cabins, and rooms, many with private pools and views of the North Bali landscape. Mangroove Bay Hostel in Sumberkima provides stylish dorms, private rooms, and Javan Gladak homes, along with exclusive tours and experiences. Visitors to North Bali can also enjoy early morning dolphin-watching boat tours.