Denpasar Education Authorities Act Decisively Following Alleged Video Call Incident, Emphasizing Zero Tolerance Policy
DENPASAR, Bali — In a move underscoring a zero-tolerance stance, a junior high school in Denpasar has summarily dismissed a newly hired contract teacher following allegations of serious misconduct toward a student. The Denpasar Education Office confirmed the incident, which has sent ripples through the local community, emphasizing that the individual is no longer affiliated with the public school system.
The teacher, identified as a Balinese language instructor and local artist who began his contract at SMPN (State Junior High School) 6 Denpasar in early January 2026, is alleged to have exposed himself via video call to a female student. Contrary to initial rumors circulating online, city education officials clarified that the incident did not occur on school grounds.
“The act took place in the restroom of a minimart on January 20,” said AA Gde Wiratama, Head of the Denpasar City Education Office, in a statement on Monday, January 26. “We must clarify it was not in a school toilet.”
According to Wiratama’s account, the student did not engage with the teacher during the call but instead recorded the encounter. The video subsequently circulated among peers before reaching school authorities. The school conducted a swift internal review on January 23, summoning both the student and the teacher for separate interviews.
“The student was called first and confirmed the event. Subsequently, the teacher, accompanied by a guidance counselor, was summoned and admitted to the act,” Wiratama stated.
Prior to his brief tenure at the public school, the individual had worked as a contract teacher at a private institution. Upon confirmation of the allegations, the principal of SMPN 6 Denpasar took immediate disciplinary action.
“He is no longer part of SMPN 6 Denpasar. He was terminated directly effective January 23,” Wiratama affirmed, noting the teacher is married and has a child. The official expressed regret that the actions of one individual had tarnished the reputation of the city’s educational community.
When asked whether a formal police report had been filed, Wiratama indicated that, as of Monday, no legal complaint had been lodged by the school or the student’s family. The case highlights the challenges educational institutions face globally in screening and monitoring staff, while also demonstrating the potent role of digital evidence in bringing misconduct to light.
For the international and expatriate community in Bali, often deeply connected to local schools, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the imperative for vigilance and robust safeguarding protocols across all educational environments. The school administration’s prompt response aims to reinforce a message of security and accountability for students and parents alike.
