Lawmaker Demands Maximum Penalty for Perpetrators of Gang Rape of Minor in Sampang

Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Selly Andriany Gantina, has expressed deep concern over the rape of a 15-year-old girl by 27 men in Sampang, East Java. She is urging law enforcement to immediately apprehend the remaining suspects who are still at large. “This incident is an extraordinary crime that not only destroys the victim’s future but also wounds the public’s sense of justice,” Selly told journalists on Tuesday (14/7/2026). “I appreciate the swift action of the police who have arrested some of the perpetrators, but I urge that the 15 suspects who are still fugitives be immediately captured and processed legally without discrimination. Not a single perpetrator should escape criminal liability,” she added. She also requested that the police charge the perpetrators with multiple articles because the victim is a minor. Selly wants the perpetrators to receive the maximum criminal penalty for their depraved acts against the victim. “If there are aggravating circumstances as stipulated in the law, the punishment for the perpetrators can be enhanced in accordance with applicable regulations. Besides punishing the perpetrators, I remind that the Sexual Violence Crime Law (UU TPKS) prioritises the recovery of the victim,” she said. Selly believes the state is obliged to guarantee the victim receives legal assistance, health services, medical and psychological rehabilitation, protection from intimidation, and the right to restitution as regulated in the TPKS Law. According to her, the legal process must not only be oriented towards punishing the perpetrators but also ensuring the victim can return to living her life safely and with dignity. “This incident must serve as a wake-up call for all parties that sexual violence against women and children remains a serious threat. Therefore, in addition to firm law enforcement, the central government, regional governments, educational institutions, families, and the community must strengthen prevention efforts through education, child supervision, and strengthening the protection system for women and children,” she stated. “The state must be tangibly present to ensure justice for the victim and provide a deterrent effect to all perpetrators,” Selly added. The case came to light after the victim’s family noticed irregularities. The parents became suspicious because their daughter repeatedly returned home late at night, even until dawn. Upon being questioned, the victim broke down in tears and confessed to the ordeal. The family immediately reported the case to the Sampang Police. Sampang Police Chief AKBP Hartono stated that the incident occurred over a period of four months, from February to May 2026, with the assaults typically taking place around 9 p.m. local time. The family filed the report on 29 June 2026, after the victim suffered severe trauma. To date, police have secured 12 suspects, while 15 others remain fugitives and are under intensive pursuit.