Japan warns its citizens to avoid child exploitation in Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Embassy of Japan in Jakarta, on Wednesday (13/5), warned Japanese citizens in Indonesia or travelling to Indonesia not to become involved in child sexual exploitation, as perpetrators will be prosecuted in Japan and Indonesia.

This strong warning emerged following local news reports about social media posts in Japanese indicating that individuals from Japan have committed such acts in Jakarta and other places in Southeast Asia.

In the warning on its website, the embassy stated that local authorities may investigate anyone suspected of violating child protection laws or committing rape, noting that sexual relations with minors can be prosecuted as rape even if consent has been expressed.

Japanese nationals who exploit minors in Indonesia will also face prosecution in Japan for violating domestic laws to protect children, it added.

There have been social media posts that appear to boast about episodes of child sexual exploitation involving minors in Jakarta and surrounding areas, despite knowing they are under 18 years old.

On Wednesday (13/5), Jakarta police said their cybercrime unit is investigating a case in the southern part of the capital that was referenced in a social media post.

The Japanese Embassy in Laos also posted a similar warning on its website last year for its nationals visiting Southeast Asian countries.

Source: Kyodo