New Phase in Child Rape Case at Orphanage by Foundation Chairman in Buleleng
The case of abuse and rape against children at the Ganesha Sevanam Orphanage in Jagaraga Village, Sawan Subdistrict, Buleleng, Bali, has entered a new phase. Police have named the foundation chairman, I Made Wijaya alias Jro Mangku Wijaya Dangin (57), as a suspect and immediately detained him.
Police have uncovered indications of intimidation in the abuse and child rape case at the orphanage. They suspect the perpetrator pressured victims not to provide statements to investigators.
“We must carry out the detention because there is information and indications that the suspect attempted to intimidate other victims so that they would not provide open statements,” said Buleleng Police Chief, AKBP Ruzi Gusman, on Thursday (2/4/2026).
Police assess that detaining Wijaya is important to prevent further pressure on the victims. From the start of handling the case, police have also prioritised securing the children residing at the orphanage to avoid potential intimidation.
“The security and interests of the children are the priority so that they do not face pressure and can reveal the true facts,” said Ruzi.
Repeated Actions
Police have also revealed new facts in handling the abuse and rape case at the Ganesha Sevanam Orphanage. The suspect is alleged to have carried out his depraved actions repeatedly. There are seven orphanage children suspected to be victims of physical or sexual violence.
“Based on investigation results, it was found that the suspect did not only commit the crime against one victim, but also against several children under his care,” said Ruzi.
Ruzi revealed that the seven victims are aged between 12 and 21 years. One victim, still aged 16, was even raped repeatedly at the orphanage and several inns in Denpasar, Badung, and Tabanan.
“The details will still be deepened and investigated based on the information provided,” he explained.
According to Ruzi, the victim also reported receiving physical violence on 26 March 2026. At that time, the victim along with other orphanage residents was gathered in a room. Wijaya is suspected of choking the victim’s neck with a cable because she left the orphanage without permission.
Layered Charges
After being named a suspect, Wijaya is now charged with multiple articles carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment. Police emphasise that this case is being handled seriously because the victims are minors and are suspected to have experienced repeated violence.
“The articles we charge are Law Number 35 of 2014 on Child Protection, as well as several articles in the Criminal Code related to intercourse with children,” said Ruzi.
In addition, investigators are also charging the suspect with child molestation and sexual violence as regulated in the Sexual Violence Crime Act (TPKS). All these legal charges are layered to accommodate each alleged act by the suspect.
Police are separating the case handling based on each victim. This step is taken to unravel the alleged actions that are said to have occurred more than once.
“Each victim is handled in a separate file so that all events can be explored maximally,” he stressed.
From all the charged articles, the heaviest penalty is up to 15 years’ imprisonment. However, police do not rule out the possibility of additional articles as the investigation deepens.
Victim Assistance
Police ensure that the victims receive protection in handling the case. The identities of all victims are also kept confidential to prevent further impacts.
“We ensure that the victims’ identities are not publicised. We also urge the media not to display names, photos, or initials of victims,” said Ruzi.
Intensive assistance is also provided to the victims. Police are collaborating with the Social Services Office and related UPTD to provide psychological support during the legal process. In addition, evacuation steps for the children at the orphanage are being carried out to ensure their safety.
“We have coordinated to place the victims and other children in a safer location,” said Ruzi.
“We want all events at this orphanage to be revealed clearly. Nothing should be missed,” he concluded.