KPAI Urges Legal Process for Perpetrators of Sexual Violence in Ciawi Pesantren

Jakarta - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has urged authorities to process legally and impose maximum sanctions on the perpetrator of sexual violence against 17 students at a pesantren in Ciawi, Bogor Regency, West Java. “KPAI urges law enforcement to immediately carry out the legal process quickly, transparently, and in favour of the victims, while ensuring the perpetrator faces the maximum punishment,” said KPAI Chairman Aris Adi Leksono when contacted in Jakarta on Saturday. Aris Adi Leksono stressed that the perpetrator’s actions constitute a serious violation of children’s rights and fall under sexual crimes against children as regulated by Law No. 35 of 2014. Law No. 35 of 2014 on Child Protection, particularly Articles 76D and 76E, prohibits anyone from committing violence or threats of violence to perform indecent acts against children, as well as the criminal provisions in Articles 81 and 82 that impose severe penalties on perpetrators of sexual crimes against children. “KPAI also encourages authorities to thoroughly investigate this case regarding suspicions of involvement by other parties in the pesantren,” said Aris Adi Leksono. KPAI strongly rejects any form of resolution outside the law. “Cases of sexual violence against children are not matters that can be settled through family means or mediation. This is a serious offence that must be prosecuted criminally to completion,” said Aris Adi Leksono. The suspected perpetrator is a teacher and alumnus of the pesantren who is alleged to have committed indecent acts against at least 17 male students. The incidents are believed to have occurred in the dormitory environment while the victims were resting or asleep.