Hell at the Orphanage in Buleleng: Foster Children Abused and Raped
The case of alleged sexual violence at an orphanage in Sawan Subdistrict, Buleleng Regency, Bali, has expanded. The orphanage owner, initialled JMW, has been reported for the alleged rape of his foster children. In the latest development, the number of victims has been revealed to be eight.
The case began with a report from a victim initialled PAM (17) to the Buleleng Police Resort. She claimed to have been raped, allegedly occurring in February 2026 within the orphanage premises.
The Head of Public Relations at Buleleng Police Resort, Iptu Yohana Rosalin Diaz, confirmed the report.
“Based on the received report, the victim claims she was called to help massage the suspect in his room. After that, the room door was locked, and the victim was forced into sexual intercourse,” she stated on Sunday (29/3/2026).
The incident is said to have occurred in the perpetrator’s room. The victim was called under the pretext of helping, but it ended in alleged rape after the door was locked.
The case was subsequently reported after the victim could no longer endure the pressure she faced.
Accompanied by Alleged Assault
In addition to the alleged sexual violence, the victim also reported assault by the perpetrator on Thursday, 26 March 2026, around 4:00 PM WITA.
The victim suffered a torn wound on her cheek after allegedly being struck with a cable. The incident occurred after the victim left the orphanage to go to her boyfriend’s house.
The victim reported due to pressure. The fear and pressure she experienced led her to tell her family about the incident. The report was then filed at the Buleleng Police Resort headquarters on 27 March 2026.
“The victim felt scared and eventually told her family about the incident she experienced. We have now received the report and it is being handled further by investigators,” Yohana emphasised.
Police are currently conducting further investigations by examining witnesses and gathering evidence.
“Currently, the police are still delving deeper, including examining witnesses and collecting evidence to ensure the legal process runs according to applicable provisions,” Yohana explained.
Number of Victims Reaches 8
Amid the investigation process, the number of victims has increased. The Buleleng Social Services, Women’s Empowerment, and Child Protection Agency (P3A) has recorded a total of eight victims in this case.
“There is assault and intercourse. So from the initial reporter to a total of 8 people,” said the Head of Dinsos P3A Buleleng, Putu Kariaman Putra, on Monday (30/3/2026).
Six of the eight victims are still minors. The youngest victim is even 11 years old.
“So six people under age. One is 20 years old, and one is 18 (adult),” he clarified.
Victims Evacuated to Safe Houses
All victims are now placed in safe houses for recovery. They are still experiencing trauma and receiving psychological support.
Based on the support provided, the victims admitted to frequently experiencing violence when making mistakes or violating orphanage rules.
“The results of the support also indicate that some have been molested. That’s it. So the investigators will delve deeper into that,” he said.
Dinsos Awaits Suspect Designation
The Social Services affirmed they will recommend suspending the orphanage if the perpetrator is designated as a suspect.
“Based on Ministry of Social Affairs Regulation Number 5 of 2024, if the perpetrator is a foundation administrator or LKS/LKSA, we are obliged to issue a suspension recommendation through the Licensing Agency,” Kariaman stated.
They will also communicate with the families of the children in the orphanage, including the other 23 children still there.
“Next, we will communicate with the parents or families of the children, both the eight who have reported and the other 23 children still at Ganesha Sevanam Orphanage,” he added.
Bali Dinsos Ensures Protection
The Head of Bali Social Services for Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population (Dinsos PPPA), Anak Agung Sagung Mas Dwipayani, stated that her agency has coordinated to ensure victim protection.
“Our top priority is to ensure the safety, recovery, and best protection for all affected children,” Sagung said.
The victims have received psychological services, health services, and been placed in safe locations. The government is also ensuring their basic needs and education continue to be met.
“The government is also taking steps to ensure the continuity of education and basic needs for the children are fulfilled,” she said.
All victims have been questioned and undergone visum et repertum. Police are still gathering evidence in this case.
“For the other children still at the orphanage, further handling steps are currently being taken, including plans for relocation to safer places that meet childcare standards,” she explained.
Sagung emphasised respect for the ongoing legal process and reminded that victims’ identities should not be disseminated.
“And together create a safe and child-friendly environment,” she concluded.