Dede Indra Permana Urges Authorities to Investigate Sexual Violence Against Child in Toba

Dede Indra Permana Soediro, Vice Chair of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), has urged law enforcement authorities to seriously and professionally handle allegations of sexual violence against a 15-year-old girl with mental disabilities in Huta Namora Village, Lumban Julu District, Toba Regency, North Sumatra.

The demand was made by Dede in response to public scrutiny regarding the case’s slow handling, despite reports being filed as early as June 2025.

“We in Commission III of the DPR RI remind law enforcement agencies to take sexual crime seriously, especially when the victim is a child with mental disabilities falling into a vulnerable group category,” Dede stated in his statement in Jakarta on Monday (2 March).

The legislator from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) faction emphasised that the principle of law enforcement should not only be oriented towards punishing perpetrators, but must also guarantee victim protection and restoration of victims’ rights.

According to Dede, within the development of national criminal law, the justice approach should not solely be based on the perpetrator, but must also ensure the existence of restorative justice for victims, particularly victims of sexual violence.

“Authorities must investigate this case thoroughly in a professional, transparent, and accountable manner. The victim must not be deprived of the protection and justice she deserves,” he said.

The alleged sexual violence case in Huta Namora has drawn public attention due to the slow handling process. The victim, still a minor and part of a vulnerable group, is alleged to have suffered sexual violence resulting in pregnancy, and has since given birth to an infant.

Previous information indicated that the baby is now approximately two months old and undergoing intensive care at Balige Hospital. However, the alleged perpetrator has not yet been formally named as a suspect.

Responding to allegations regarding possible influence by certain parties, Dede stated that such matters must be answered through a transparent and professional investigation process by law enforcement authorities.

“The state must be present, especially when the victim is a child and a person with disabilities. Law enforcement cannot be blunt towards the powerful and sharp towards the weak,” Dede concluded.