House Member Demands Maximum Sentence for Sampang Sexual Assault Perpetrators

Jakarta (ANTARA) - House of Representatives (DPR) member Nurul Arifin has urged that the perpetrators of the alleged sexual assault against an underage girl in Sampang, East Java, receive the maximum possible sentence. Speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, she assessed that the incident serves as a serious alarm regarding the threat of sexual violence against children, requiring a comprehensive response from the state. She also expressed deep concern over the case. “If this case indeed occurred as conveyed by law enforcement officials, then this is not merely an ordinary criminal act, but a humanitarian tragedy,” she said. According to her, the alleged involvement of dozens of perpetrators in a single case indicates a problem more complex than typical sexual crimes. This condition, she said, signals weak social control, the influence of peer environments, and a declining sensitivity to humanitarian values. She assessed that the case also serves as a reminder that character education, family supervision, and community awareness must not be neglected. According to her, the state must be present to provide full protection to the victim while ensuring all perpetrators are held accountable before the law. Nurul added that the victim’s recovery must be a priority, as the psychological impact of sexual violence, especially when committed by a group, can be long-term. “The victim needs psychological support, identity protection, legal aid, health services, and a guarantee to continue their education without stigma. The victim must not be victimised a second time due to social pressure,” she said. Police are still hunting 15 other suspected perpetrators who have been placed on the wanted list. Sampang Police Chief AKBP Hartono stated in Sampang on Thursday (9/7) that the 12 arrested suspects are part of a total of 27 individuals allegedly involved in the case. “The 12 suspects we have arrested are part of a total of 27 perpetrators. The other 15 perpetrators are still being pursued,” he said.