East Java Police and Social Services Provide Support for Rape Victim in Sampang

A joint team from the East Java Regional Police and the Provincial Social Services is providing psychological support to an underage rape victim in Sampang Regency, a case currently under investigation by the local police.

Sampang Police Chief AKBP Hartono stated on Tuesday that the assistance was provided because the victim admitted to being deeply traumatised following the incident. The team has visited the victim’s home, and the victim has undergone two psychiatric examinations as part of the trauma recovery process.

According to the investigation by the Sampang Police Criminal Investigation Unit, the alleged sexual violence occurred repeatedly between February and May 2026. Police suspect the victim was threatened, which prevented her from reporting the incident to her family, causing a significant delay before the case came to light.

A total of 27 individuals have been named as suspects in the case. Of these, 13 have been arrested, while 14 remain at large. Hartono said the Sampang Police have coordinated with other police jurisdictions in Madura to expedite the search for the remaining suspects, with the East Java Regional Police also stepping in to assist.

The case began when the underage victim was alone on Jalan Suhadak in Sampang City in February 2026. The victim was approached by the perpetrators, who then persuaded, threatened, and forced her to comply with their demands. Police also suspect the victim was plied with alcohol before the sexual assault occurred.

According to the police investigation, the alleged crimes took place in three locations: Panggung Village in Sampang District, Astapah Village in Omben District, and Madupat Village in Camplong District. During the investigation, police arrested seven suspects on Monday, 30 June, two suspects on Thursday, 2 July, one suspect on Friday, 3 July, and two more in subsequent operations, bringing the total number of arrests to 12. Another suspect was arrested on Monday, 13 July, bringing the total number of arrests to 13, while 14 suspects remain at large.

In response to the incident, Sampang Police Chief AKBP Hartono urged parents to increase supervision of their children and called on the remaining fugitives to surrender themselves to the police.