Indonesian police are investigating the deaths of three Australian nationals in Bali over the weekend, with early findings indicating that a father fatally assaulted his two young children before committing suicide.
The 57‑year‑old man and his two children, aged seven and four, who held Indonesian citizenship, were found dead inside a Kuta bungalow on Sunday morning.
Denpasar police said a 51‑year‑old witness, Nur Khamid, received a phone call around 8:30 am on Sunday from a person claiming to be the victims’ wife. The wife, who was in Jakarta, could not reach her family and asked Khamid to check on their welfare.
Khamid went to the bungalow and looked in through a window, observing “no activity or people visible inside”, according to the police statement.
He then met the bungalow owner, and together they carried out a further check and contacted the neighbourhood head (Kelian Lingkungan). Local residents knocked and pounded on the door until it was forced open, revealing the three bodies.
Police officers arriving at the scene conducted a crime‑scene investigation and preliminary examination together with the Denpasar Police Identification Team, the statement said.
Initial external examinations suggest the two children died from violent acts, while the father is believed to have died by hanging.
All three bodies have been taken to Prof Dr IGNG Ngoerah Denpasar Central General Hospital for further forensic examination.
Denpasar Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Leonardo D Simatupang, said Kuta Police officers were leading the investigation.
Investigators are continuing to question witnesses—including the victims’ wife—review CCTV footage, and process the crime scene to determine the exact cause of death, he added.
Kuta Police have taken a statement from the man’s wife and reviewed CCTV footage; they have also coordinated with the Australian consulate.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed that consular assistance is being provided to the family of the three Australian nationals.
