DENPASAR, BALINEWS – The Bali Regional Child Protection Commission (KPAD) has been urged to strengthen efforts to prevent bullying, violence against children, and exposure to radical ideologies and terrorism. The commission is expected not only to handle reported cases but also to take preventive measures to protect children from becoming victims.
The call was made by Anak Agung Sagung Mas Dwipayani, Head of the Bali Provincial Social Affairs, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Agency, following the inauguration of five KPAD commissioners for the 2026–2031 term at the Wiswa Sabha Building, the Bali Governor's Office, on Wednesday (October 28, 2026).
“Going forward, we hope KPAD will not only resolve existing cases but also take preventive and mitigation measures to address potential violence against children,” Dwipayani said.
She identified bullying in educational institutions as one of the key issues requiring serious attention. Psychological abuse, including verbal abuse, remains a concern because many parents do not fully understand its potential impact on children's well-being.
To address these issues, the Bali Provincial Government will strengthen coordination with education agencies and regional government offices responsible for social affairs, women's empowerment and child protection across the island's regencies and municipalities.
Educational campaigns and public outreach will also be expanded with the involvement of school guidance and counseling teachers, other educators, and parents.
“Many parents still do not understand psychological and verbal abuse. This is a challenge we must address together. The government cannot work alone without support from the community and the media,” she said.
In addition to bullying, Dwipayani highlighted sexual violence, child neglect, child trafficking, and exposure to radical ideologies as issues requiring stronger preventive action.
She acknowledged that reported cases of violence against children had increased. However, she said the rise was also linked to a growing willingness among members of the public, including children and victims, to report incidents they had experienced.
Meanwhile, newly appointed KPAD Bali Chair Anak Agung Made Putra Wirawan said child protection remained a major challenge across various settings, including families, public spaces, and the digital environment.
He highlighted sexual violence and child marriage as issues requiring serious attention. The commission will also focus on protecting children from exposure to radical ideologies and terrorism.
“Going forward, all parties must work together to strengthen supervision and education so that children do not become victims or perpetrators of violent crimes,” Wirawan said.
He noted that digital technology offered both opportunities and risks for children. While providing broader access to information and knowledge, online platforms could also be used to spread radical ideologies and terrorist propaganda.
Bali's experience in dealing with terrorist attacks, he added, underscored the importance of early prevention. Protecting children from radicalization requires stronger supervision, education, and the involvement of families, schools, communities, and relevant stakeholders.
Wirawan said KPAD Bali would strengthen coordination with relevant parties to improve child protection and support the province's goal of becoming a child-friendly region.
The five commissioners were formally appointed under Bali Governor's Decree No. 960/03-C/HK/2026. They are Anak Agung Made Putra Wirawan as chair, Ni Made Diah Kusuma Wardhani as vice chair, and Dewa Putu Gede Sujaya Pasupadha, Bdn. Ni Putu Ariani, and I Kadek Agus Mahendra as members. Their term runs from 2026 to 2031.
