Police Arrest 12 Suspects in Sampang Teen Rape Case, 15 Still at Large
The Sampang Resort Police in East Java have taken 12 suspects into custody over the alleged sexual assault and rape of a 15-year-old girl. Police are continuing to hunt for 15 other perpetrators who have been placed on the wanted list.
Sampang Police Chief AKBP Hartono revealed that the total number of suspects believed to be involved in the rape case stands at 27. The arrest of the 12 suspects was carried out in stages through a series of police operations.
“The 12 suspects we have arrested are part of the total 27 perpetrators. The other 15 are still being pursued,” AKBP Hartono stated at the Sampang Police Headquarters on Thursday (9/7/2026).
According to police statements, the tragic incident began in February 2026. At that time, the victim was alone in the Suhadak Road area of Sampang City. The perpetrators approached the victim under the pretence of getting acquainted.
During the attack, the suspects allegedly used persuasion, threats, and coercion to force the victim to comply with their demands. Police also found indications that the victim was plied with alcohol before the sexual violence occurred.
AKBP Hartono noted that the criminal acts took place in three different locations: Panggung Village in Sampang District, Astapah Village in Omben District, and Madupat Village in Camplong District.
The case investigation has been conducted intensively since late June. Police arrested seven suspects on Monday (30/6), followed by two suspects on Thursday (2/7), one suspect on Friday (3/7), and two additional suspects in subsequent arrests.
The 12 suspects in custody have varying age backgrounds, with the majority being minors. The suspects’ initials are AR (17), MH (17), MA (15), AP (15), D (16), MR (17), R (42), MHA (13), MFS (13), AS (14), F (25), and AP (15).
“We have already identified the perpetrators who are still at large and will continue to pursue them,” Hartono stressed.
The suspects now face multiple criminal charges. Police are applying Article 473 paragraph (2) of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 2026, Article 20 of Law Number 11 of 2012, as well as Article 82 paragraphs (1) and (2) of Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection.
For their actions, the perpetrators face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. The Sampang Police Chief also urged parents to tighten supervision of their children to prevent similar incidents from recurring. He also warned the fugitive suspects to surrender immediately.