Nurul Arifin Demands Maximum Penalty for 27 Suspects in Sampang Gang Rape of 15-Year-Old
Member of Commission I of the House of Representatives from the Golkar Party, Nurul Arifin, has stated that the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl by 27 individuals in Sampang Regency, East Java, is a serious alarm regarding the threat of sexual violence against children that requires a comprehensive response from the state. “If this case truly occurred as conveyed by law enforcement, then this is not just an ordinary crime, but a humanitarian tragedy. The state must be present to provide full protection to the victim while ensuring all perpetrators are held accountable before the law,” said Nurul Arifin on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.
According to Nurul, the alleged involvement of dozens of perpetrators in a single case indicates a problem more complex than typical sexual crimes. She pointed to indications of weak social controls, the influence of peer environments, and a decline in sensitivity to human values. “When so many people are suspected of being involved in an act of sexual violence, it shows a social problem that must be a shared concern. This is an alarm that character education, family supervision, and community awareness cannot be ignored,” she said.
She stressed that law enforcement must be carried out firmly and without discrimination. All suspects who have been named must be processed according to the applicable legal provisions, while law enforcement officials are urged to immediately arrest the suspects who remain at large. On the other hand, Nurul reminded that attention should not be focused solely on the legal process against the perpetrators. The victim’s recovery must be a top priority because the psychological impact of sexual violence, especially when committed by a group, can be very prolonged.
“The victim requires psychological support, identity protection, legal aid, health services, and a guarantee that she can continue her education without stigma. Do not let the victim become a victim for the second time due to social pressure,” she said. Nurul also highlighted the fact that most of the suspects are still minors. She believes this condition is a signal that education regarding respect for the body, healthy relationships, and understanding of consent must be strengthened from an early age through families, schools, and the community.