Child Abuse Case in Sukabumi: Religious Affairs Ministry Official's Stepmother Faces Dishonourable Dismissal

The Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry (Kemenag) has confirmed that TR, the stepmother of 13-year-old boy NS who allegedly died from abuse in Sukabumi, is a civil servant employed within Kemenag’s Sukabumi district office. The ministry stated it is currently referring the case to law enforcement authorities and will take firm action against TR should criminal liability be established.

“Based on the official report we received, the perpetrator is indeed a P3K civil servant. Naturally, for any civil servant proven to have committed a criminal offence, they have violated disciplinary regulations with consequences including disciplinary penalties,” said Thobib Al Asyhar, Head of the Public Relations and Communications Bureau (HKP) of Kemenag, to journalists on Friday, 27 February 2026.

He stated that TR’s case will follow applicable legislation. Kemenag is deferring legal proceedings to the competent authorities.

“Since this constitutes a matter for criminal justice, it is being handled in accordance with applicable law. We are fully transferring handling to law enforcement authorities,” he said.

Thobib stated that Kemenag will terminate TR’s employment or dismiss them without honour. The ministry continues to follow the legal process currently underway.

“In accordance with civil service law, for contract employees proven to have committed a criminal offence, employment termination or dismissal without honour will be implemented,” Thobib said.

“However, we will follow the legal process currently in progress,” he added.

The earlier abuse case involving NS, aged 13, revealed new facts. The victim’s stepmother, identified as TR, who currently has the status of suspect, was found to be a civil servant within the Religious Affairs Ministry’s Sukabumi district office.

TR is known to hold the position of Islamic Preacher in Kalibunder District with the status of Contract Government Employee (P3K).

Irmansyah Marpaung, Personnel Analyst at Kemenag’s Sukabumi district office, confirmed this status. He explained that his office has not yet officially received a letter of suspect designation from police.

“As for employment status as of today, since we have not yet received a suspect determination letter, he is still receiving normal salary today,” said Irmansyah.