Kodam IX/Udayana Probes Suspect in Rape Case Allegedly Enlisted in the Army

Regional Military Command (Kodam) IX/Udayana has responded to reports about a man identified as ADO (23) from Larantuka, Flores Timur Regency, who is said to have been sworn in as a member of the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), despite previously being named as a rape suspect at Flores Timur Police. It has been claimed that ADO is on the wanted list (DPO).

Head of Public Information for Kodam IX/Udayana, Colonel Inf Widi Rahman, said the command is currently conducting an in-depth probe into information circulating publicly.

‘We are checking and probing the data and information in circulation, including coordinating with law enforcement authorities to obtain complete and accurate facts,’ Widi said in a statement on Wednesday (4/3/2026).

Widi emphasised that the TNI AD has a strong commitment to upholding the law, discipline, and the moral integrity of soldiers. He said every service member must uphold the country’s laws and the values of soldiery.

‘There is no tolerance for breaches of the law, especially those related to serious criminal acts,’ he asserted.

Regarding recruitment, Widi explained that the selection of prospective soldiers is conducted strictly and in multiple stages. The process includes administrative checks, medical examinations, psychology assessments, physical fitness testing, and background checks in accordance with applicable regulations.

However, he acknowledged that if there is legal information not detected or not reported by a prospective recruit, that will be part of further evaluation.

‘If, after in-depth investigation, it is proven that the person concerned did indeed participate in the criminal act as reported, the TNI AD will ensure the legal process is respected and carried out in accordance with the applicable laws. The institution will not offer protection to anyone found to have broken the law,’ he said.

Kodam IX/Udayana also emphasised that it has never and will never interfere with ongoing legal processes. It also denies any justification by parties claiming to act on behalf of the TNI to pressure victims or their families.

Furthermore, Kodam IX/Udayana urges the public to uphold the presumption of innocence and await the results of official investigations and the ongoing legal process.

As a state institution, the TNI AD remains committed to maintaining the integrity of the recruitment process and ensuring that every soldier possesses morality, discipline, and accountability to the law and society.