Eyewitness News – DENPASAR
18.September.2026
The atmosphere at the Nari Graha Building of Bali Province this morning was not merely a formality. Deep emotion filled the room as abandoned children in Bali Province finally received their civil registration documents. Radiant smiles mixed with emotion beamed from their faces, signaling that their status is now official in the eyes of the law. The peak event, themed “Handover of Civil Registration Documents for Abandoned Children in Bali Province,” stands as tangible proof of cross-sector synergy initiated by the Head of the Bali High Prosecution Office (Kajati), Mr. Setiawan Budi Cahyono, S.H., M.Hum.
The series of events opened with a performance of the Sekar Jagat Dance. Uniquely, this welcoming dance was not performed by professional artists, but by employees of the Bali High Prosecution Office themselves. From dancers to the pengambel (gamelan players), all were members of the Adhyaksa family whose daily duty is enforcing the law. Their performance mesmerized the audience, showing another side of prosecution staff who are not only firm, but also skilled in preserving local culture. The atmosphere then turned solemn when the Testimonial Video on the Implementation of Granting Civil Registration Documents was screened, showing how difficult these children’s struggles were before acquiring their official identities.
In his warm speech as host, Kajati Bali, Mr. Setiawan Budi Cahyono, emphasized that the handover of these documents is not the end of everything, but the beginning of a brighter future. He explained that this initiative stemmed from deep concern over 2021 Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data recording 1.4 million abandoned children in Indonesia, as well as 2025 BPS data stating that 8.64% of children in Bali are classified as abandoned and do not yet possess civil registration documents.
”This is a constitutional mandate under Article 34 paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution. We at the Prosecution Office, through the State Attorney (JPN), are here to ensure that no child is left behind simply because they lack a Birth Certificate, NIK, Family Card (KK), or Child Identity Card (KIA),” he asserted.
He explained that based on verified data as of August 2026, there were 110 verified abandoned children across 9 Regencies/Cities in Bali that had been inventoried. From this number, the program has designated 4 areas as pilot projects: District Prosecution Office (Kejari) Gianyar, Kejari Badung, Kejari Tabanan, and Kejari Karangasem. “We signed a provincial Cooperation Agreement (PKS) on July 30, 2026, with the Social Services Office, Population and Civil Registration Office (Dukcapil), Bali High Court, and Bali High Religious Court. This serves as a legal foundation so that the issuance of these documents is no longer hindered by sectoral egos,” he added.
This mandate from Kajati is reinforced by concrete achievements in the field. At Kejari Badung, for example, out of 8 court determinations, 2 civil registration documents have been issued, while the rest are undergoing intense coordination with the Dukcapil Office. This step is an integral part of optimizing JPN’s authority pursuant to Attorney General Regulation No. 7 of 2021, while supporting the national priority programs ASTA CITA 4 and RPJMN 2025–2029.
“Today’s event serves as a tangible proof of the state’s presence in fulfilling children’s rights to legal identity. As mandated by the Constitution, the poor and abandoned children are to be cared for by the state, and this commitment is realized through the provision of official population documents,” he concluded.
The next session, Remarks from the Deputy Attorney General for Civil and State Administrative Affairs (JAM Datun), Prof. Dr. R. Narendra Jatna, S.H., LL.M., expressed appreciation for the innovation developed. According to him, this strategic move must be replicated nationally. “The courage of Kajati Bali to make this program a real and impactful implementation deserves appreciation. This activity can serve as a technical guide for child guardianship for all State Attorneys across Indonesia,” he stated.
The event became livelier with a Kulintang Music Performance from the Yayasan Benih Harapan Badung, showcasing the extraordinary talent of the foster children. Furthermore, the Governor of Bali in his address expressed full support for this program, emphasizing that legal identity is the gateway for children to access education, healthcare, and social assistance. “The Bali Provincial Government is ready to fully support this, including budget allocation through the regional budget (APBD) for the sustainability of this noble program,” the Governor emphasized.
Before closing with a Networking / Friendly Gathering Session, attendees were treated to a special performance by the Visually Impaired Choir of SLB Badung. Their melodious and soulful voices created a deeply touching conclusion, reminding everyone present that every single child, without exception, has the right to be recognized, protected, and given the opportunity to shine.
With the issuance of these civil registration documents, a new hope has been ignited. This change project not only solves administrative issues, but also embraces the future, ensuring that no abandoned children in Bali Province are left out of the state’s legal spotlight.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
