Bali Migrant Worker Faces Initial Hearing in US Sexual Assault Case
A legal case involving an Indonesian Migrant Worker (PMI) from Jembrana Regency, Bali, with the initials Putu JW (36), continues to unfold in the United States. Putu JW, suspected of involvement in a sexual assault case in Florida, has now undergone his initial hearing.
The Head of the Manpower and Industry Office of Jembrana, Kadek Mirah Ananta Sukma Dewi, explained that the legal proceedings against Putu JW have entered the early stages of trial. In the hearing, the regional prosecutor outlined the charges against the man from Bumi Makepung.
“The individual (Putu JW) has just had the initial hearing, and information from the family indicates he is accompanied by legal counsel. In the initial hearing, the regional prosecutor presented the facts of the case and evidence to support the charges,” Mirah stated when contacted by detikBali on Thursday (23/4/2026).
Mirah explained that the legal system in the United States differs from that in Indonesia. This initial hearing is presided over by a single judge to determine whether the case merits proceeding to the next stage involving a jury.
“This is a type of hearing that does not yet involve a jury. It is only the (single) judge with the regional prosecutor and the individual accompanied by legal counsel (PH). If deemed sufficient to proceed to trial, as far as I know, a jury will be selected,” Mirah clarified.
During the hearing, Putu JW firmly denied the allegations against him. Putu JW pleaded not guilty to the suspected sexual assault, which has gone viral on social media.
“The information we received is that the suspect stated he is not guilty. Of course, this will be tested by the prosecutor and legal counsel in the trial,” Mirah added.
Regarding developments, the Jembrana Regency Government (Pemkab) continues to coordinate with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Houston. Given the sensitivity of the sexual assault case, KJRI has not disclosed detailed progress on the handling.
“From KJRI Houston, which is providing assistance, but because cases like this are sensitive, the progress is not shared in detail,” she said.
To date, the family in Jembrana has not been able to communicate directly or virtually face-to-face with Putu JW. Communication remains limited through intermediaries from the authorities.
“For now, it’s the same information from KJRI. The family also communicates through KJRI with voice messages only,” Mirah stated.
Previously, Putu JW was reported to have encountered legal issues in Florida, United States. From the outset, Pemkab Jembrana has coordinated with BP3MI Bali, BP2MI, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure Putu JW receives his legal rights and maximum assistance during the judicial process in Uncle Sam’s country.