FPTI to Oversee Legal Proceedings in Alleged Violence Case at Panjat Tebing National Training Centre

Jakarta — The case of alleged physical violence and sexual harassment involving former coach HB of the Indonesian national climbing team continues to unfold. The Central Board of the Indonesian Climbing Federation (PP FPTI) says it has reported the alleged case to the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC), while supporting the legal processes pursued by the athletes who claim to be victims.

PP FPTI Chairperson Yenny Wahid said reporting to the international federation is a procedure that must be followed when serious violations occur within sport. The report also demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to handling the case transparently and in accordance with the applicable mechanisms.

Internally, FPTI has formed a fact-finding team since early February to investigate the alleged actions involving HB. ‘Our fact-finding team (TPF) is also gathering evidence and will soon summon the alleged perpetrator for questioning,’ Yenny told a press conference at the Panjat Tebing National Training Centre, Bekasi, on Wednesday (4 March 2026).

Yenny emphasised that the federation’s primary priority is to protect the rights and privacy of the athletes alleged to have been victims. She noted that cases of violence and sexual harassment are sensitive matters, so the identities of the victims must be safeguarded for their security and that of their families.

So far, five climbers have reported alleged physical violence and sexual harassment to Mabes Polri. FPTI, according to Yenny, cannot report directly because the matter concerns individual privacy.

‘If FPTI as an organisation cannot report, we help to find lawyers for the victims who wish to report to the police,’ Yenny said.

FPTI has also taken decisive steps by terminating HB from his coaching position. Yenny said the decision was made after the federation received several complaints from athletes, even though legal proceedings or the work of the fact-finding team were still ongoing.

Secretary-General Wahyu Pristiawan Buntoro stressed from the outset that the organisation is committed to not tolerating any form of violence, especially against women and children, including sexual harassment in the sporting environment.

Nevertheless, Yenny emphasised HB still has the right to defend himself through the legal process. She invited the former coach to present his rebuttal in court if he believes he is not guilty of the charges against him.

Meanwhile, HB denied engaging in sexual harassment or physical violence against athletes. The coach who led Indonesia to a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics said his strict training methods were intended to build the athletes’ mental and physical strength. He acknowledged having hugged or kissed the foreheads of athletes under stress, but said he did so as a form of moral support rather than harassment.