LPSK Approves Protection for Victims in Ustadz SAM Sexual Harassment Case

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has approved a protection request for the victims of the alleged sexual harassment case implicating Ustadz SAM, as part of efforts to ensure the victims’ safety and recovery in the ongoing legal process. Deputy Chairman of LPSK, Wawan Fahrudin, stated that the protection request was submitted by the victims’ advocate on 16 December 2025 and underwent a review process before being decided in a leadership meeting. “LPSK received the protection request from the victims’ advocate on 16 December 2025, a review was conducted, and the request was approved in the LPSK leadership meeting on 30 March 2026,” he told ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday. He emphasised that the decision was taken through a collective collegial mechanism to maintain independence and the quality of protection provided to witnesses and victims. “LPSK operates independently, and leadership decisions are made collectively and collegially to ensure the quality of protection, as well as the independence of LPSK’s decisions in providing protection for witnesses and/or victims,” Wawan said. In addition to physical and legal protection, LPSK also provides recovery services for victims suffering psychological impacts from the criminal act. “In addition to protection, we also provide fulfilment of their recovery rights,” he stated. This LPSK initiative runs parallel to the legal process conducted by the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri), which has named Ustadz SAM (Syekh Ahmad Al Misry) as a suspect in the alleged sexual harassment of several male students. The case emerged following a report against the suspect in November 2025 regarding allegations of harassment against five male students, who reportedly experienced trauma and alleged intimidation to withdraw their complaints. In this context, LPSK’s role is crucial to ensure victims can provide statements without pressure while receiving protection from potential threats. These protection efforts also include accompaniment during the legal process, ensuring victims’ access to medical and psychosocial recovery services. LPSK views comprehensive protection as key to encouraging victims’ courage to report and supporting evidence in court proceedings. With the approved protection decision, LPSK reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding victims’ rights as the law enforcement process against the suspect proceeds.