A Dutch citizen, Nirul Rashim Abdoelrazak, is facing a proposed nine-year prison sentence following allegations of illegal narcotics cultivation in Bali. Prosecutors concluded that the defendant was responsible for the illegal cultivation and possession of Class I narcotics at a rented property in Denpasar.
The sentencing demand was presented during a hearing at the Denpasar District Court on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. Public Prosecutor I Made Lovi Puspawan stated that the defendant was proven to have planted, maintained, and controlled marijuana plants at a property located in the Ubung Kaja area of North Denpasar.
Legal Charges and Proposed Penalties
The indictment asserts that the defendant violated Article 111 paragraph (2) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, in conjunction with updated provisions of Indonesia’s Criminal Code. According to the prosecution, the defendant provided or possessed Class I narcotics in the form of plants weighing more than 1 kilogram or totaling more than five plants.
In addition to the request for a nine-year prison term, minus time already served, the prosecution is demanding a financial penalty of Rp1 billion. If the fine is not paid, the defendant may face an additional 80 days of imprisonment.
Did You Know? The police operation uncovered a sophisticated hydroponic setup that included an indoor growing tent, specialized lighting systems, blowers, and humidifiers.
The case originated from a police operation conducted by Bali Regional Police on 1 October 2025. Officers searched a rented house on Jalan Bina Kusuma IV in Ubung Kaja after receiving information regarding suspected narcotics activity involving foreign nationals.
Evidence Seized During the Raid
During the search, investigators discovered multiple marijuana plants at various stages of growth. Evidence presented in court included 14 mature marijuana plants of varying heights, as well as dozens of seedlings in containers and pots.
Specifically, authorities recorded 67 seedlings measuring approximately five centimeters and another 24 seedlings measuring roughly ten centimeters. The prosecution noted that this cultivation was not authorized for any medical, research, or legal purpose under Indonesian law.
Expert Insight: The scale of the hydroponic equipment and the specific sentencing demands suggest that authorities are treating organized cultivation setups with significant severity, particularly when they involve foreign nationals.
Previous investigations by the Bali Regional Police had identified two foreign nationals connected to the case: a 31-year-old Dutch man with the initials NR and a 33-year-old Russian woman with the initials KV. The property had been specifically arranged into various sections, including nursery areas and planting rooms, to facilitate different cultivation stages.
The court proceedings are currently ongoing, and a final verdict has not yet been reached. The panel of judges is expected to issue a decision in accordance with Indonesian criminal procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proposed sentence for Nirul Rashim Abdoelrazak?
Prosecutors have demanded a sentence of nine years in prison, minus time already served, along with a fine of Rp1 billion.
What happened during the police raid in October 2025?
Bali Regional Police raided a rented house in North Denpasar and discovered a hydroponic marijuana cultivation setup, including 14 mature plants and 91 seedlings.
What happens if the Rp1 billion fine is not paid?
If the fine is not paid, the prosecution has requested that it be replaced with an additional 80 days of imprisonment.
How do you think these strict legal consequences affect the international community in Bali?
