Hearing on Sheikh AM Sexual Harassment Case Held Behind Closed Doors in DPR

Commission III of the DPR held a closed hearing to discuss the alleged sexual harassment case against several students, suspected to have been committed by a Quranic memorization judge on a television station with the initials Sheikh AM.

The hearing was attended by legal representatives, the plaintiffs’ coordinator, witnesses, and representatives from the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK).

“According to the Secretariat’s report, the faction forum is already fulfilled, and I request permission: should the meeting be open or closed? I ask for opinions from colleagues because this concerns alleged sexual harassment,” said Habiburokhman, Chairman of Commission III of the DPR, opening the meeting.

Member of Commission III of the DPR, Soedeson Tandra, proposed that it be held closed because it discusses indecent acts. Tandra’s proposal was supported by representatives from all present factions.

“Thank you, leadership. Because this concerns an issue of an indecent nature, if agreeable, we request it be closed,” said Soedeson.

Sheikh AM was previously reported to the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency regarding the alleged sexual harassment case against students. Based on statements from the victims’ legal counsel, Benny Jehadu, the suspect often appeared on television programmes as a Quranic hafiz judge.

This indecent act case has more than one victim. The legal counsel stated that all his clients have experienced very deep psychological trauma as a result of the incident.

“Regarding the timing, this is around 2017, so there are several victims at different times. Some in 2017, 2018, up to 2025. But the times vary,” said Benny.