Eyewitness – Kuta Utara
A brutal homicide has once again shaken the Kuta area of Bali. Rene Pouw, a 49-year-old Dutch national, was killed in a violent attack in front of Villa Amira, located in Banjar Anyar Kelod, Kerobokan, North Kuta. The victim was allegedly targeted in a savage blade attack on Monday, March 23, 2026, at approximately 11:30 PM WITA.
The incident occurred as Pouw was opening the villa’s front gate. He was reportedly preparing to head toward Legian, Kuta, with his partner, 30-year-old Pujiani.
Account of the Attack
According to eyewitness testimony, two men on a motorcycle approached the victim. One assailant was reportedly wearing a green-and-black ride-hailing (ojol) jacket, while the other wore an orange T-shirt. The witness stated that the pair immediately launched a violent assault using a samurai-style sword.
Significantly, the witness—the victim’s partner—identified the two attackers as fellow foreign nationals. She recounted a harrowing scene where a blood-soaked Pouw attempted to flee while being pursued by one of the assailants.
The suspects fled the scene immediately after the attack. Local residents who rushed to assist found the victim succumbed to his injuries; the severity of the stab wounds proved fatal before medical help could arrive.
Ongoing Investigation
The local police department is currently conducting an intensive investigation. Officers have cordoned off the area to collect evidence and have questioned several witnesses to determine the motive behind the slaying.
Badung regional police are focused on identifying the suspects, with leads currently pointing toward the involvement of foreign nationals in the homicide.
As of press time, the North Kuta Police Chief, Commissioner I Ketut Agus Pasek Sudina, has declined to provide further comments or confirmation regarding the ongoing inquiry.
Reporter: Daniel Herry
