Sri’s Story, A Teacher in Bali Who Stands by Survivors of Violence
Ni Ketut Sri Wahyuni, S.Pd., shares her experience in supporting survivors of violence. (Kompas.com/Ni Ketut Sudiani)
Denpasar - Ni Ketut Sri Wahyuni, S.Pd., vividly remembers the time she supported a survivor of sexual violence. The 60-year-old was approached by a group of large men demanding to meet the survivor under the pretext of offering an apology.
Despite the intimidation, Sri didn’t feel the slightest bit of fear. She stood her ground, even though the men towering over her were physically intimidating. “They tried to give me something. They brought a package. But I refused. Whatever happens, I’m no longer afraid of dying,” Sri said.
These men repeatedly pressured Sri to disclose the survivor’s whereabouts. They tried to intimidate her, claiming connections with high-ranking officials and prominent figures.
“They tried to mess with my mind. But I stayed focused. I wasn’t afraid. I told them, if there’s anything they need, they can speak directly to the survivor’s lawyer,” she recalled in Tabanan, Saturday (May 17, 2025).
That intense moment remains unforgettable for Sri in her journey as a paralegal. It would’ve been easy to accept what the perpetrators offered, but her conscience stood firmly with the survivor. So how did Sri, a teacher at SMP Negeri 1 Selemadeg Barat — a junior high school in Tabanan Regency — find such courage?
The answer lies in her humanitarian calling and the education she received from the Bali Women Crisis Centre Legal Aid Institute (LBH Bali WCC). These motivations keep Sri going. When her husband served as a village head, Sri often heard of villagers facing violence and other hardships.
She began helping victims, accompanying them even in filing police reports. That experience sparked her commitment to do more for the community. She realized that many residents—especially women in rural areas with limited financial means—didn’t know where to turn for help.
Confused and unaware of what to do, many remained silent, falling deeper into despair. Even without a legal education, Sri became a paralegal to assist those in need. She believes that grassroots paralegals truly understand the reality on the ground.
“In doing this social mission, even if I die along the way, it’s okay. If I die today, then tomorrow I don’t have to die again,” Sri stated boldly.
As an educator, Sri also often shares her experiences with community members. Through this, she hopes other women will learn their legal rights, find the courage to speak up, and go on to help others.
Sri shared her story during the Joint Learning Workshop for Paralegals at the Kubu Bali WCC in Tabanan Regency on Saturday (May 17, 2025). The workshop was part of the SEKAR Program (Solidaritas Emansipasi untuk Kerja Advokat Responsif or Solidarity for Emancipation through Responsive Legal Aid Work) organized by LBH Bali WCC.