Koster Reveals 300,000 Neglected Children in Bali Remain Undocumented

DENPASAR, KOMPAS.com - Bali Governor Wayan Koster revealed that approximately 300,000 neglected children in Bali remain undocumented in the population administration system.

Koster stated that this issue will be addressed through village-based and traditional village data collection. The data will then be integrated into a system to monitor the status and needs of these children.

"We will pursue this with a village and traditional village-based approach to ensure we reach everyone. Then, we will build a database and integrate it into the system to ensure proper handling," Koster said in a statement on Saturday (19/9/2036).

On Friday (18/9/2026), Koster handed over population documents for neglected children in Denpasar City.

A total of 30 neglected children from various regions in Bali received population documents, including Child Identity Cards (KIA) and certificates.

Koster emphasized that providing population documents cannot be done by a single institution alone.

The regional government will coordinate with regents and mayors across Bali, as well as involve the Bali High Prosecutor's Office and the High Court.

"I believe there is no reason to hinder this noble program. This is a shared responsibility, not only for the prosecutor's office but for all state administrators," he said.

Koster also highlighted the condition of neglected children currently living in orphanages or foundations.

According to data from the Social Service and Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Agency (Dinsos P3A), there are 86 orphanages in Bali.

More than 2,600 children reside and receive care in these orphanages.

According to Koster, the government also needs to ensure their basic needs are met and not just focus on population administration issues.

"In the upcoming coordination meeting, we will also discuss guaranteeing their needs are fulfilled, including food, clothing, health, and education. We must not leave them behind," he said.

Koster added that the government will discuss a scheme to meet the needs of children living in orphanages through government budgets.