The former wife of Cameron Hughes, an Australian man who died by suicide in a Bali detention cell on July 10, has revealed the circumstances that led her to report his visa violation.

Indah stated that she informed Indonesian immigration authorities about Hughes' visa breach in 2025, years after their marriage ended. She described a history of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, exacerbated by his substance addiction, which she said caused him to spiral.

Hughes, 39, was found unresponsive in the toilet of his detention cell, where he was being held for deportation. Police confirmed his death as a suicide. According to Indah, she had repeatedly attempted to end the relationship following their separation, but Hughes allegedly made threats to harm himself and continued to contact and monitor her.

"I felt that I could not live peacefully or safely, even after our marriage had legally ended," Indah said. "He did not accept the separation and continued to contact me, come back into my life, make threats, and monitor or track me."

Indah explained that her intention in contacting immigration was not to push Hughes away but to create physical distance, hoping it would allow him to seek help and provide a more stable environment for her and their son. She described their initial relationship as loving but said it deteriorated as his addiction worsened, leading to increasingly dangerous behavior.

She noted that during their relationship, she observed "red flags" early on and attempted to end it multiple times. Each attempt was met with threats of self-harm from Hughes. While she tried to support him and encourage professional help, his addiction proved stronger than his willingness to change, she said.

Indah expressed feeling trapped and frightened but continued to give him chances, holding onto the hope of his recovery. "Looking back, I realize I was holding on to the person I believed he could become, rather than accepting the reality of what was happening," she stated. She believed ending the marriage would finally allow her and their son to move forward peacefully.

Indah mentioned seeking help previously but was advised she either had to assist him or leave him. She emphasized that she is sharing her story not to attack or shame anyone, but to highlight the complex reality behind public perceptions. "I spent years trying to help someone I loved. I gave chances, I forgave, I encouraged professional help, and I hoped things would change," she said. "I also had to learn, painfully, that I could not save someone who was not able to save themselves."

Following Hughes' death, Indah also addressed customers of his car restoration business, Holden Resto Bali, who had reported unfinished or unroadworthy vehicles. She apologized for any harm caused by his actions and expressed hope for their forgiveness. Some customers have formed online groups to share their experiences and seek recovery of vehicles or lost funds.

Authorities confirmed that Hughes was under investigation after obtaining a new passport on a tourist visa. His previous permanent residency permit was voided upon his separation from Indah. He had overstayed his tourist visa by 98 days and was also operating a business illegally on that visa. His deportation would have resulted in a ban from re-entering Bali for at least six months.

Indah is now focused on creating a safe and stable life for her son.