Minister of Youth and Sports Affirms State Support for Victims of Alleged Sexual Violence

Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Erick Thohir stressed the state’s backing for a number of panjat tebing athletes who have become victims in a case of alleged sexual harassment and physical violence. The alleged perpetrator is a former head coach who has been dismissed with dishonour by the Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation (FPTI).

Thohir also supported the Federation’s move to accompany and facilitate five victims to report the case to Mabes POLRI for a thorough investigation. Every athlete deserves a safe, dignified sporting environment free from all forms of violence, he said. The government will not tolerate sexual violence in sport.

‘The state is present to protect the athletes. We are on the side of the victims and fully support the steps taken by FPTI to accompany the victims in reporting the case to the police so that it is processed legally, ensuring the victims obtain justice, and the perpetrators, if found guilty, must receive the maximum punishment,’ Thohir said in a written statement on Friday 6 March 2026.

According to him, the handling of this case should be an important momentum to strengthen the athlete protection system across all sports. He emphasised that the safety and welfare of athletes are a top priority in building the national sports ecosystem.

‘We cannot turn a blind eye to this issue. There is no place for violence, especially sexual violence, in sport, which should be a safe space for athletes to train, develop, and achieve for the nation,’ he added.

‘We at Kemenpora (Ministry of Youth and Sports) encourage all sports federations, coaches, administrators, and the sports community to work together to build a culture that upholds integrity, respect for human dignity, and protection of athletes, so that an ecosystem free from violence is created,’ he added.

Meanwhile, FPTI chairman Yenny Wahid said the move to report the case to the police was discussed at a press conference introducing the panjat tebing national training team ahead of the 2026 Asian Games on Wednesday 4 March.

Yenny Wahid praised the bravery shown by the five athletes in revealing the physical and sexual violence they experienced. She said the victims’ decision to speak out and bring the matter to legal channels demonstrates a commitment to uncover the truth.

‘If FPTI as an organisation cannot report, we will help find lawyers for the victims who wish to report to the police,’ she said.

Yenny Wahid also stated that the federation would strive to safeguard the rights and privacy of the athletes who are victims in the case.

‘In addition, FPTI is fully committed to supporting the legal process being undertaken by the victims’ lawyers,’ she concluded.