Boss Sets Truck Driver on Fire over Rp 8.5 Million Payment in Bali

KARANGASEM, KOMPAS.com - A man identified as IPCP (37) was arrested by police after allegedly setting fire to I Gede Selamet (20) in Banjar Dinas Susut, Desa Muncan, Selat District, Karangasem Regency, Bali, on Friday (18/9/2026).

The alleged assault was reportedly triggered by an outstanding payment the victim owed to the perpetrator. The victim worked as a truck driver for the suspect.

Head of Public Relations Section (Kasi Humas) of Karangasem Police, Ipda I Nengah Artono, said the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. local time at the victim’s home.

"At the time, the victim was resting in his room when the suspect came and asked about his whereabouts. The suspect is the victim's boss," Artono said when contacted on Friday.

According to Artono, the suspect then entered the victim’s room. The two engaged in a heated argument over money owed.

The victim said he had not worked for two days due to illness. At that time, the suspect asked about the payment the victim was supposed to make.

However, the amount the victim gave was reportedly far below the demanded Rp 8.5 million. The suspect apparently refused to accept this and threw the money onto the floor.

Soon after, flames erupted inside the victim’s room. Police suspect the victim was set on fire after being doused with Pertalite fuel.

As a result, the victim suffered burns over approximately 40 percent of his body. His family took him to Selat Community Health Center and then referred him to Karangasem Regional Hospital.

Aside from injuring the victim, the fire also destroyed the roughly 3 by 4 meter room. Damages to the building are estimated at around Rp 10 million.

Police conducted an investigation and visited the suspect’s residence in Banjar Dinas Pesaban Kaler, Desa Pesaban, Rendang District.

"The suspect was secured around 1:10 p.m. local time and taken to Selat Police Sector," Artono added.

The police are still probing the alleged assault, including the detailed sequence of events and the motive behind the attack.

IPCP is currently held at Selat Police Sector for further questioning.