Fugitive in Muaro Jambi Disabled Student Abuse Case Arrested in Jember

The fugitive suspected of sexually abusing a student at a state special needs school (SLB) in Muaro Jambi has been arrested in Jember, East Java. TAR (57) was apprehended by police on Sunday, 28 June 2026, after being on the run for approximately one month. Muara Jambi Police Chief, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Heri Supriawan, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect is currently still in East Java. “He has just been caught. His position is still in Jember, East Java. Later, when he arrives in Jambi, we will make an official release,” Heri Supriawan told Media Indonesia on Sunday evening. The suspect fled after the victim’s family filed a police report on 23 May 2026. The case came to light after a fellow student reported the matter to a teacher at the SLB Negeri Muara Jambi. The victim’s mother, SM, initially doubted the report as she knew TAR to be a well-behaved person. However, her doubts vanished after the victim herself confirmed the abuse. According to the victim’s account, TAR allegedly committed the act seven times. The incident has left the victim deeply traumatised, and she has refused to return to school since 21 May 2026. The sexual abuse case involving an underage person with disabilities has shocked the community in Jambi and provoked strong reactions from various parties. The Social Service and the Jambi Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights have given special attention to the case, urging law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the matter in accordance with the law, given the victim’s vulnerability as a person with a disability. Police are currently coordinating to bring the suspect back to Jambi for further legal proceedings.