Illness Delays Arrest of Indonesian Idol Top 6 Contestant Accused of Child Sexual Assault

Police have postponed detention of Top 6 Indonesian Idol 2025 contestant Piche Kota, who has been named a suspect in an alleged rape and child sexual abuse case involving a 16-year-old female high school student with initials ACT in Atambua, Belu District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The postponement of detention is due to Piche experiencing illness and requiring hospitalisation at Gabriel Manek General Hospital in Atambua. Prior to this, Piche was arrested by investigators from the Women and Child Protection Unit (PPA) of the Criminal Investigation Division of Belu Police on Saturday, 28 February.

“Based on initial examination results, the suspect is experiencing poor health and has been advised to rest,” said Belu Police Chief AKBP I Gede Eka Putra Astawa in a written statement on Saturday evening, 28 February.

The investigator brought Piche Kota to Gabriel Manek General Hospital for further observation. Previously, Piche had undergone medical examination at a clinic partnered with Belu Police.

“Based on hospital examination results, the suspect is currently under medical observation and hospitalised with investigator accompaniment,” he said.

He explained that health care for the suspect forms part of legal procedure that must be observed, without diminishing commitment to law enforcement.

“We prioritise professionalism and uphold the rights of the suspect, including the right to healthcare services. Nevertheless, the legal process continues,” he added.

He promised that suspect Piche would be immediately detained once declared fit for custody.

Astawa stated that the arrest of suspect Piche Kota was carried out on Saturday, 28 February at 13:00 WITA at his residence.

“On Saturday, 28 February 2025 at 13:00 WITA, investigators also arrested the suspect with initials PK at his residence.”

He explained that investigators had previously detained two other suspects in the rape and child sexual abuse case reported by the 16-year-old female student with initials ACT.

The two detained suspects are Roy (RM) and Rifle (RS). Roy has been detained since 24 February 2025 after being apprehended in Timor Leste. Suspect Rifle has been detained since Friday, 27 February after undergoing examination as a suspect.

“On Friday, 27 February 2025 at 22:18 WITA, investigators from the Criminal Investigation Division of Belu Police executed detention of the suspect with initials RS following examination as a suspect and is now held at Belu Police Detention Centre,” said Astawa.

Astawa conveyed that the force will not tolerate any crimes against children and will ensure the legal process proceeds in accordance with applicable laws.

“We are fully committed to handling this case firmly, professionally, and transparently. Child protection is our top priority. Anyone proven guilty will be prosecuted in accordance with applicable law,” Astawa stated firmly.

Investigators from the Women and Child Protection Unit (PPA) of the Criminal Investigation Division of Belu Police had previously named three suspects—Piche Kota, Roy (RM), and Rifle (RS)—in the rape or child sexual abuse case involving a 16-year-old female high school student in Atambua with initials ACT.

“In handling this case, investigators have named three suspects, each with initials RM, RS, and PK,” said Belu Police Chief AKBP I Gede Eka Putra Astawa in his statement on Saturday, 21 February.

The naming of the three suspects was based on case review results conducted at Belu Police Headquarters in NTT on Thursday, 19 February.

“The naming of suspects was conducted through a Case Review for Suspect Designation held on Thursday, 19 February 2025, at Belu Police Headquarters, Belu District, East Nusa Tenggara Province,” Astawa clarified.

He explained that the naming of suspects occurred due to the fulfilment of criminal offence elements as regulated in applicable laws, as well as the fulfilment of minimum requirements for valid evidence based on criminal procedural law provisions.

“The naming of suspects was conducted based on a valid and measurable investigation series. The case review mechanism reflects the application of principles of prudence, objectivity, and accountability, and serves as a form of internal oversight in the investigation process,” said Astawa.

Astawa stated that in this criminal offence of rape or child sexual abuse case involving three suspects, police investigators have applied layered charges with a maximum threat of 15 years imprisonment.

“In this case, investigators have applied Article 473 paragraph (4) of the Criminal Code as amended by Law Number 1 of 2025 concerning Adjustment of Penalties, or Article 81 paragraph (2) of Republic of Indonesia Law Number 17 of 2016 concerning Child Protection, with a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, or Article 415 letter b of the Criminal Code with a maximum prison sentence of 9 years,” said Astawa.

Previously, Top 6 Indonesian Idol 2025 contestant Petrus Yohanes Debrito Armando Jaga Kota, known as Piche Kota, was reported to be involved in an alleged sexual violence case against a 16-year-old female high school student with initials ACT.

The victim allegedly experienced sexual violence by Piche Kota and two others identified as Roni Mali and RAS. The report was received by Belu Police on Tuesday, 13 January with police report number LP/B/12/I/2025/SPKT/Polres Belu/Polda NTT.

Belu Police Chief AKBP I Gede Eka Putra Astawa stated in a previous statement that the alleged rape occurred on Sunday, 11 January at approximately 16:00 WITA at a hotel in Atambua City, Tenukik Village, Atambua City District, Belu District, NTT.

He revealed that based on preliminary investigation results, the incident began when the victim and the three reported individuals held a drinking party in a hotel room. When the victim was allegedly unconscious, the perpetrators are said to have committed the rape.