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A holiday turned to horror after a shocking violent attack unfolded in a popular tourist destination.
13:33, Fri, Mar 27, 2026 Updated: 13:42, Fri, Mar 27, 2026
Rene Pouw, 49 (Image: Handout)
A tourist has been brutally killed in a suspected targeted attack on the Indonesian island of Bali, with his girlfriend forced to witness the fatal assault. Rene Pouw, 49, from the Netherlands, was staying in the Kerobokan area of the island with his Indonesian partner when the attack happened.
According to local reports, two men on a motorbike approached the couple outside their villa before launching a violent assault. The attackers were said to be armed with large knives, with one reportedly wielding a samurai-style sword.
Indonesian authorities are investigating the incident (Image: Badung Police Department)
Police said Mr Pouw attempted to defend himself but was repeatedly slashed during the attack, suffering serious injuries to his head, neck, shoulders, arms and legs. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance but lost consciousness on the way and was later pronounced dead after suffering severe blood loss.
His girlfriend told officers she witnessed the killing and was then chased by one of the attackers, who was allegedly still holding a blood-covered weapon. She managed to escape and hide nearby until the suspects fled the scene.
A witness reported hearing screams before seeing the two suspects escape on a motorbike. One of the attackers is believed to have been wearing a black and green jacket similar to those used by delivery drivers.
Local police chief Ketut Agus Pasek Sudina said the victim’s partner had been forced to take cover following the attack.
“The victim’s girlfriend hid in a dark area in front of a nearby villa because she had been targeted,” he said. “Only after feeling safe and seeing the perpetrators flee did she come out.”
A forensic specialist who examined the body said the island has seen a rise in violent incidents in recent months.
Nola Margaret Gunawan said that while murders were previously rare, there had been a noticeable increase. “In the first six months of 2025, I received one murder victim every month,” she said.
Police have confirmed that none of Mr Pouw’s belongings were stolen, suggesting the attack may not have been a robbery. Investigations are ongoing as officers work to identify the suspects and establish a motive.
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Unconfirmed reports in Dutch media have suggested the victim may have had links to drug offences, but officials have not verified these claims.
Authorities on the island are continuing to carry out enquiries as the case remains under investigation.
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