Singaporean arrested in Bali after woman found dead in rental room as police investigate suspected killing

Indonesian police have arrested a Singaporean man after the body of his 26-year-old girlfriend was discovered in a rental room in Denpasar, Bali, with investigators alleging he strangled her following a dispute.

The suspect, identified only by the initials MZ, was arrested less than three hours after the case was reported by a joint police team, according to Denpasar Police.

Authorities said the victim, identified as AS from Tegal, Central Java, had been in a relationship with the suspect for about a year.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate the suspect allegedly assaulted the victim by strangling her for around 15 minutes out of resentment.

However, officers said the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after a post-mortem examination.

"We found a woman who was suspected to have died as a result of assault," Denpasar Police public relations officer I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya said in a written statement issued on 16 July 2026.

Body discovered by victim's brother

The victim's body was discovered on the evening of 15 July 2026 after her younger brother, identified as RA, went to the rental property because he had been unable to contact her for several days.

According to police, RA detected a strong foul odour as soon as he arrived at the property.

The smell intensified after he entered the room, where he reportedly noticed part of the victim's hair protruding from beneath a pile of stuffed toys.

RA encountered MZ inside the property and asked about his sister's whereabouts.

Police said the suspect did not respond.

Growing suspicious, RA reportedly struck the suspect with a motorcycle helmet before MZ fled the scene on a motorcycle.

The brother then discovered the victim's body concealed beneath stuffed toys and a carpet. Police said the body had already undergone significant decomposition, with swelling and skin deterioration.

Investigation continues

Police said the victim's body was found lying on the floor of the room, covered by stuffed toys and a carpet.

Due to the advanced state of decomposition, investigators said they did not immediately identify any visible external injuries.

"The case remains under investigation by the Denpasar Police Criminal Investigation Unit. The victim's body has been evacuated to Prof Ngoerah General Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death," Adi said.

Authorities said the suspect had entered Bali as a tourist and, according to immigration records, had overstayed his visa since 2025.

Police also said the couple had been living together at the rental property since March 2025. Witnesses told investigators they frequently argued over alleged infidelity.

Witness statements

Investigators also interviewed a woman identified only as DP, who said she had met the suspect three days earlier while working at a billiards outlet in Denpasar.

DP told police she had stayed overnight at the rental room on 11 July 2026 and noticed an unpleasant smell coming from inside the room.

According to investigators, when she questioned MZ about the odour on 14 July 2026, he allegedly became angry, punched a wall and told her not to ask further questions.

Separately, Indonesian media reported that DP had recently begun dating the suspect after meeting him at the billiards venue.

Denpasar Police said officers launched an intensive search immediately after receiving the report and arrested MZ within three hours.

The force said investigators are continuing to examine witness statements, forensic evidence and the forthcoming post-mortem findings to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the woman's death.