The Struggle for Justice! La Fontaine Family Goes Three Years Without Seeing Twin Daughters

DENPASAR – Paul La Fontaine, an Australian citizen who has traveled to Bali for over three decades, expressed deep frustration after being unable to meet his twin daughters, Isla and Sianna, for the past three years. He criticized Bali’s law enforcement for their slow response in enforcing a court ruling that granted him joint custody.

Paul revealed that his daughters have been missing since August 25, 2022. On that day, his former wife, identified by the initials AVP, took Isla and Sianna from school without his knowledge, only weeks after the Supreme Court confirmed their 50:50 custody arrangement.

“I received a terrifying WhatsApp message from AVP saying, ‘No money, forget about seeing your kids.’ Since then, I have not had any access to my children,” Paul said in a press statement on Monday (Sept 1).

Blocked by Thugs and Assaulted

Paul said he has repeatedly searched for his daughters in Bali. He discovered that they were once hidden in a housing complex in Uluwatu and later in a house in Puri Bunga, Nusa Dua. However, every attempt to approach them was blocked by what he described as hired thugs.

While trying to deliver a birthday gift for his daughters’ sixth birthday, Paul was assaulted by six men. “Three of them pinned me to the ground, two punched me in the head and face. All I could shout was: ‘They are my children!’” he recalled.

The assault case is now being heard at the Denpasar District Court under case number 734/Pid.B/2025/PN Dps. Two men, identified as Agung Danu and Alit, are on trial for alleged assault, while another, Muhammad Said, is being tried in a military court.

Wherever Paul La Fontaine goes, he will always long for his two beloved daughters.

Accusing Authorities of Negligence

Paul believes police have failed to apply Child Protection Law No. 35/2014 to safeguard his daughters’ rights. He argues that forcibly taking a child by one parent constitutes a serious criminal offense, not merely a family dispute.

“Police often say this is a household matter. But we divorced four years ago. This is clearly a criminal act by a parent,” he stressed.

He further alleged that “corrupting influences” may be preventing authorities from taking firm action. Still, Paul welcomed Bali Police’s recent decision to begin investigating his missing children report.

Last Hope in Court

Paul is now fighting to enforce the 50% custody ruling, which has had permanent legal force since August 2022. Along with his new legal counsel, he also plans to file for full custody (100%), arguing that AVP has committed unlawful acts and obstructed his relationship with the twins for three years.

“I am pleading with the court to order police to detain AVP and restore my rights as a father. I also fear my children are no longer in Bali,” he said.

Call for Child Protection

Paul urged authorities in Bali not to view the case through a lens of discrimination. “Is it because I am a foreigner that I have no right to see my children? My daughters deserve to grow up surrounded by love from both parents,” he said softly.

He also expressed gratitude to Senator Arya Wedakarna (AWK), who once facilitated a meeting with authorities and requested an investigation into AVP and a foreign man, identified only by the initials LH, who is allegedly involved. However, Isla and Sianna’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Ending his statement, Paul delivered an emotional message to his ex-wife:

“Adinda, please return Isla and Sianna to me. Stop hiding them. Let them live happily with the love and protection of both their parents.” (Ray)