Man arrested for statutory rape

BANDUNG, West Java: Police have arrested a 52-year-old man for allegedly paying Rp 2 million (US$833) to have sex with a 14-year-old girl, Antara reported yesterday.

The man, identified only as HR, was arrested for statutory rape Wednesday at his home on Jl. Soekarno Hatta, said Bandung Police Chief Col. Erwin MAP.

The girl's mother, Mrs. TTS, 46, was arrested earlier.

She allegedly sold her daughter to a pimp called Cici to pay back the money she owed for throwing a wedding party for her other daughter.

Cici passed the girl to a second pimp called Mrs. MT.

The "transaction" took place on June 11. The girl was taken to a hotel in Ciwidey, South Bandung where she was raped by HR.

The girl's father said he knew nothing about the crime.

The girl's mother said she paid the pimps Rp 500,000 each.

The girl was given Rp 400,000, which she used to celebrate her 14th birthday.

Neighbors called police when they became concerned about DW's unusual depression.

The mother, Cici and HR are now in detention at Bojongloa Kaler police station.

In Jakarta, State Minister for Women's Roles Mien Sugandhi condemned the crime and called the mother "inhumane". (swe)