Gede Pasek Reveals Reasons for Representing Suspect in Child Rape Case at Buleleng Orphanage
Gede Pasek Suardika (GPS) has revealed the reasons for his willingness to act as legal counsel for I Made Wijaya, also known as Jro Mangku Wijaya Dangin. Wijaya is the suspect in the case of rape and assault against children at the Ganesha Sevanam Orphanage in Jagaraga Village, Sawan Subdistrict, Buleleng, Bali.
Pasek stated that this representation is part of the advocate profession’s obligations. Moreover, according to him, the case being handled is considered to have high complexity.
“Cases like this must be accompanied by an advocate. If not accompanied, the examination could become invalid,” Pasek said during a press conference in Buleleng on Friday (3/4/2026).
Pasek recounted that Wijaya had come to his office for a consultation regarding the legal issues he faced on 30 March. From that meeting, the legal team agreed to provide assistance on a pro bono or voluntary basis for the suspect.
The former Democrat Party politician said that representing the suspect is still carried out with a focus on professionalism. Pasek assessed that there are several aspects in this case that need to be investigated more deeply and require comprehensive legal support.
“We see that there are many things that must be uncovered. If we become the advocacy team, we can delve deeper, not just look at the surface,” he added.
Pasek admitted to having tested the suspect’s claims regarding his closeness to the children at the orphanage. According to him, the suspect immediately conducted a video call with the orphanage children at that time.
“The atmosphere during the video call showed closeness, like a parent-child relationship. From there, we saw something that needs to be explored further,” Pasek said.
On the other hand, Pasek explained that the handling of the case cannot be based on one-sided judgements in the public sphere. He assessed that the legal process needs to be viewed objectively to uncover the facts in full.
Pasek assured that his team will continue to accompany the suspect in every stage of the legal process. He said that Wijaya has undergone his first examination as a suspect on Friday (3/4). He estimated that the examination process will be conducted more than once.
“From our experience, in cases like this, especially with multiple alleged victims, there will definitely be several examinations for confirmation, clarification, and cross-checking,” Pasek said.
Previously reported, the case of assault to rape against children at the Ganesha Sevanam Orphanage has become the focus of public attention. The Buleleng Police Resort has named the foundation’s chairman, I Made Wijaya alias Jro Mangku Wijaya Dangin, as a suspect and immediately detained him.
Police suspect that the perpetrator carried out his heinous acts repeatedly. So far, there are seven orphanage children who are alleged to be victims of physical or sexual violence.