A tourist in Bali reportedly lost $14,000 in cryptocurrency after giving an unlocked phone to a woman who offered to add herself on Instagram. The incident, reported by ABAB news, involved a group of women distracting the tourist after a few drinks, leading to his cryptocurrency wallet being emptied. This type of social engineering attack, which exploits attention and trust, is increasingly targeting travelers in Bali's pubs and beach clubs. Organized gangs use tactics such as asking to take a picture or exchange contact details to gain access to unlocked phones. If the victim is distracted or intoxicated, fraudsters can quickly access and deplete cryptocurrency wallets. Indonesian law enforcement, after receiving a police report, deployed undercover intelligence personnel who located and apprehended the culprits. The individuals are currently detained and face charges, with potential deportation.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.
Must readBali has blocked foreign investors from accessing Indonesia's online licensing system for 18 business categories, citing concerns that foreign-owned companies are crowding out local businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises MSMEs. Governor Wayan Koster stated that the decision followed an evaluation of licenses issued to foreign-investment companies in low- and medium-low-risk business categories. The provincial licensing evaluation team is investigating possible misuse of risk-based licensing rules by investors entering sectors closely linked to MSMEs. Some foreign investors are exploiting low-risk business categories, which require only a Business Identification Number, as a loophole to avoid significant capital investment requirements. These categories are vulnerable to regulatory loopholes because registrations are automatically issued without standard certificates or other permits. Some foreign-investment companies have entered the market through businesses that threaten MSMEs, including operations using virtual offices, which may result in unfair competition and put significant pressure on local businesses. After obtaining approval from the investment minister, Bali revoked access to the online licensing system for several low- and medium-low-risk business sectors. The restricted sectors include accommodation, rentals, retail, consulting, and other activities closely linked to the MSME business environment. Specific categories include star-rated and budg
Must readMore than 40 disaster risk reduction practitioners, tsunami experts, government officials, and community facilitators gathered in Bali, Indonesia, from July 12 to 18, 2026, for a UNESCO-IOC training of facilitators. The program aimed to strengthen tsunami preparedness in the North-West Indian Ocean region, including participants from India, Indonesia, Iran, Maldives, Pakistan, Oman, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates. Engin Koncagul, Chief of Natural Sciences at the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta, highlighted the importance of building local capacity. Participants learned to support coastal communities in achieving the 12 UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Indicators through technical sessions and practical exercises. The training included reviewing tsunami hazard maps, practicing facilitation techniques, a tsunami drill, and a visit to Tanjung Benoa, an Indonesian Tsunami Ready community. Elementary school principals in Tanjung Benoa shared how regular drills have made students more confident and less fearful of tsunamis and earthquakes, attributing success to collaboration between government, local Disaster Risk Reduction forums, and the community. Participants developed facilitation plans to implement the program in their countries, contributing to UNESCO-IOC's goal of increasing Tsunami Ready coastal communities worldwide by 2030. The UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta, in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System Secretariat, orga
Must readMiss Fish Bali is launching SEASONS: Summer 2026, a two-night immersive event on July 24 and 25, 2026. This experience combines fine dining, theatrical storytelling, and nightlife, transforming the restaurant into a "Forest of the Sea." Guests will start with an eight-course tasting menu, then transition into a celebration with international DJs, immersive lighting, and an evolving atmosphere. The seasonal tasting menu is ocean-inspired, featuring eight courses that progress through contrasting flavors and sensations. Complementing the menu is "Under the Sea," a collection of five original cocktails inspired by different ocean layers. As the evening progresses, the ambiance transforms with intensified lighting and music. The DJ lineup includes Fraser Jones, Brodie Nero, and Met Musik on Friday, and SOŇADORA, Boyd, and Dopamine on Saturday. The event is designed as a continuous narrative, seamlessly blending gastronomy and entertainment. Seating is limited, and reservations are strongly recommended for this distinctive culinary event.