KPAI Reveals Families Protect Perpetrators in Sampang Gang Rape Case

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has raised concerns about a ‘negative solidarity’ among families protecting the perpetrators of a gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in Sampang, Madura. KPAI Commissioner Sylvana Apituley stated that the families of the perpetrators, many of whom are minors, are refusing to cooperate with authorities. ‘In the Sampang case, the perpetrators are numerous and include children, and certainly their families know about their involvement. But the families’ reluctance to hand over the perpetrators or address the issue stems from this negative solidarity,’ Apituley said during a press conference in Central Jakarta on Wednesday. She explained that this reluctance is driven by cultural taboos and a sense of shame, which ultimately perpetuates sexual violence against children. ‘This mindset must be addressed because it is a key factor in the persistence of violence, including sexual violence against children,’ she added. Police have so far named 16 individuals as suspects in the case and are continuing to search for the remaining perpetrators.