A legal case involving an Indonesian Migrant Worker (PMI) from\nJembrana Regency, Bali, with the initials Putu JW (36), continues to\nunfold in the United States. Putu JW, suspected of involvement in a\nsexual assault case in Florida, has now undergone his initial\nhearing.<\/p>\n
The Head of the Manpower and Industry Office of Jembrana, Kadek Mirah\nAnanta Sukma Dewi, explained that the legal proceedings against Putu JW\nhave entered the early stages of trial. In the hearing, the regional\nprosecutor outlined the charges against the man from Bumi Makepung.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe individual (Putu JW) has just had the initial hearing, and\ninformation from the family indicates he is accompanied by legal\ncounsel. In the initial hearing, the regional prosecutor presented the\nfacts of the case and evidence to support the charges,\u201d Mirah stated\nwhen contacted by detikBali on Thursday (23\/4\/2026).<\/p>\n
Mirah explained that the legal system in the United States differs\nfrom that in Indonesia. This initial hearing is presided over by a\nsingle judge to determine whether the case merits proceeding to the next\nstage involving a jury.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a type of hearing that does not yet involve a jury. It is\nonly the (single) judge with the regional prosecutor and the individual\naccompanied by legal counsel (PH). If deemed sufficient to proceed to\ntrial, as far as I know, a jury will be selected,\u201d Mirah clarified.<\/p>\n
During the hearing, Putu JW firmly denied the allegations against\nhim. Putu JW pleaded not guilty to the suspected sexual assault, which\nhas gone viral on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe information we received is that the suspect stated he is not\nguilty. Of course, this will be tested by the prosecutor and legal\ncounsel in the trial,\u201d Mirah added.<\/p>\n
Regarding developments, the Jembrana Regency Government (Pemkab)\ncontinues to coordinate with the Consulate General of the Republic of\nIndonesia (KJRI) in Houston. Given the sensitivity of the sexual assault\ncase, KJRI has not disclosed detailed progress on the handling.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom KJRI Houston, which is providing assistance, but because cases\nlike this are sensitive, the progress is not shared in detail,\u201d she\nsaid.<\/p>\n
To date, the family in Jembrana has not been able to communicate\ndirectly or virtually face-to-face with Putu JW. Communication remains\nlimited through intermediaries from the authorities.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor now, it\u2019s the same information from KJRI. The family also\ncommunicates through KJRI with voice messages only,\u201d Mirah stated.<\/p>\n
Previously, Putu JW was reported to have encountered legal issues in\nFlorida, United States. From the outset, Pemkab Jembrana has coordinated\nwith BP3MI Bali, BP2MI, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure\nPutu JW receives his legal rights and maximum assistance during the\njudicial process in Uncle Sam\u2019s country.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bali-migrant-worker-faces-initial-hearing-in-us-sexual-assault-case-1776988315", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }