Husband of Primary School Teacher Detained for Molesting Orphan in Tanjungbalai

Police have named A, the husband of a primary school teacher identified as D, as a suspect and detained him for allegedly molesting a 12-year-old orphan in Tanjungbalai, North Sumatra. “It is true, A has been named a suspect and detained,” said Tanjungbalai Police Public Relations Head, Ipda Muhammad Ruslan, on Friday (24/7). He stated that A is charged under Article 415 letter b in conjunction with Article 417 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of nine years in prison. “However, D, the suspect’s wife who is also a teacher, is still undergoing a series of examinations as a witness regarding her alleged involvement in this case,” he explained. When asked whether D brought the victim to be molested by her husband, Ruslan said investigators are still looking into it. He added that investigators are examining several witnesses, including the victim’s family, the suspect’s family, and a forensic psychologist to assess the victim’s condition. The case drew public anger after residents perceived a slow police response. A video showing residents storming the house of a civil servant teacher in Tanjungbalai went viral on social media. The incident occurred on Jalan Yos Sudarso, Teluk Nibung District. The mob attacked the couple, who were then evacuated by police to prevent further chaos. The molestation case reportedly began when the suspect approached the victim, an elementary school student, under the pretence of lending a mobile phone. The suspect then allegedly molested the child. The victim’s foster mother reported the case to the police on 4 May 2026. Residents claimed the case was handled too slowly, as the teacher continued working normally, causing tensions to boil over.