Eyewitness – BADUNG,
May 13, 2026
An educational institution in Gianyar, Bali, identified by the initials ES, is under fire following allegations of legal irregularities and operational malpractice. Parents of students for the 2025/2026 academic year have reported a stark contrast between the school’s high-profile marketing and its operational reality.
Key Allegations:
• Misleading Promotion: ES allegedly claimed affiliations with prestigious global institutions, including Harvard, Cambridge, and Stanford. Investigations by parents suggest these claims are unsubstantiated.
• Operational Irregularities: Managed by PT ECB and/or the AAE Foundation, the school’s principal (EAG) reportedly serves dual roles as a Director and shareholder of the managing company.
• Substandard Education: Reports indicate a lack of professional teaching standards and a deficiency in student empathy.
• Lack of Accreditation: Despite promising international standards, documents reveal the institution lacks official accreditation and the necessary operational permits for primary education.
Legal and Regulatory Breaches:
Investigations by local authorities have highlighted several critical failures:
• Zoning & Construction: The Gianyar Public Works Department (PUPR) confirmed the school lacks land use approvals (KKPR), building permits (PBG), and functional certificates (SLF).
• Missing Permits: The Gianyar Education Office stated that ES has neither applied for nor received the mandatory operational permits for its primary or kindergarten units.
• Financial Concerns: Authorities are scrutinizing the collection of tuition fees by an unlicensed entity, which may constitute a legal violation.
Police Report Filed
In response to these findings, a formal public complaint has been lodged with the Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali) under report number DUMAS/794/V/2026/SPKT/Polda Bali, citing potential criminal offenses.
Statement from Legal Counsel
The legal team from Malekat Law Firm—comprising Bayu Pradana, Anna Fransiska, Alexander Yovie, and Krist Turnip—emphasized that this action aims to protect students’ rights and ensure administrative transparency.
”We call upon the relevant government authorities to conduct a thorough evaluation. Education must strictly comply with legal requirements to prevent further harm to students and the public interest,” the firm stated during a press conference.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
