BADUNG, BALI – Concerns have emerged over the alleged operation of educational activities without a valid operational license by an educational institution identified as ES in Gianyar Regency, Bali.
The issue was publicly addressed during a media conference held at the Malekat Hukum Law Office in Canggu, Badung, where legal representatives outlined a series of alleged administrative and regulatory violations related to the institution’s educational operations.
According to a confirmation letter issued by the Gianyar Regency Education Office on March 13, 2026, the Kindergarten (TK) educational unit operated by ES had submitted an application for recommendation as part of its operational licensing process. However, following field verification, authorities reportedly found several deficiencies in both administrative and technical requirements.
The Education Office stated that a number of components and regulatory requirements still need to be fulfilled or adjusted in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations. As a result, the recommendation required for the operational licensing process has not yet been issued.
Under Indonesian education regulations, every educational institution is required to complete administrative, technical, and operational licensing requirements before conducting educational activities for the public. Compliance with these provisions is considered essential to ensure student protection and provide legal certainty for parents and the wider community.
The alleged operation of educational activities without the required operational license has raised concerns among parents regarding the legal status of the institution and the protection of students enrolled there. Questions have also been raised about the collection of educational fees from the public while the institution allegedly lacks the legally required operational permit.
A public complaint related to the matter has now been officially submitted to the Bali Regional Police. The complaint was registered under Public Complaint Report Receipt Number DUMAS/794/V/2026/SPKT/Polda Bali, concerning alleged violations of Article 62 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 71 of Law Number 20 of 2003 on the National Education System.
Legal counsel representing the complainants stated that the actions taken are intended to ensure legal protection for students and parents, while also promoting transparency, legal certainty, and orderly educational administration in accordance with applicable regulations.
“The matter is of significant public interest because it concerns children’s welfare, educational standards, and public trust in the education sector,” the legal representatives stated during the press conference.
The legal team also urged all relevant parties to provide open and responsible clarification, while encouraging authorities to conduct objective, professional, and transparent examinations into the allegations.
In addition to licensing concerns, the statement highlighted alleged irregularities related to spatial planning and building compliance, describing them as serious issues directly connected to children’s safety and the right to proper education.
The representatives further emphasized that the information conveyed was based on documents, investigative findings, and official confirmations obtained from relevant authorities to date. At the same time, they stressed that all parties remain entitled to the presumption of innocence and should be given the opportunity to provide clarification in accordance with the law.
Parents and members of the public, they added, should be able to seek accountability, transparency, and legal certainty regarding educational operations without fear of intimidation, retaliation, or undue pressure.
The legal team also called on government authorities in the education and spatial planning sectors to conduct comprehensive evaluations to ensure that all educational activities fully comply with applicable legal requirements and do not negatively impact students or the wider community. **
