Buleleng Case Exposes Weaknesses in Orphanage Oversight

The case of rape and assault against children at the Buleleng orphanage has sparked intense scrutiny from Bali’s DPRD. Inadequate oversight is cited as the loophole allowing violence against children who should be protected.

Komisi IV of the Bali Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) has requested that the provincial Social Services Office, as well as those at the district/city levels, tighten supervision of orphanage foundation managers in their respective areas.

Chairman of Komisi IV DPRD Bali, I Nyoman Suwirta, views the incident as one consequence of the government’s minimal oversight of orphanages. He regrets that the case has befallen children who should receive protection.

“Yes, because of the lack of supervision, it must be monitored periodically by the relevant services and the nearby environment, such as the village head and so on; there’s no prohibition on oversight,” said Suwirta on Tuesday (31/3/2026).

According to him, in addition to the Social Services Office, regional heads also have the obligation to conduct supervision by routinely visiting orphanages in their areas. This way, communication between the government and the surrounding community can be established, allowing suspicious matters to be detected earlier.

“As it’s a foundation, the social interaction must be open; an orphanage shouldn’t be closed off,” added the former Klungkung Regent.

Suwirta added that the intensity of supervision also affects the performance of foundation managers. Minimal oversight is seen as opening opportunities for managers to fail in properly and correctly managing the children under their care.

“But to anticipate misuse, that’s the only way in operations; if not supervised, it becomes lax, especially involving males, females, and adults,” he explained.

Furthermore, DPRD Bali will re-examine the requirements for establishing social foundations. Evaluation will be carried out if provisions deemed weak are found.

“So in establishing a foundation, there are requirements; I’ll try to study what those requirements are that need evaluation, to tighten the supervision of the foundations,” stressed the PDIP politician.