Police investigate alleged child sexual abuse by inline skating coach in South Tangerang

The Metro Jaya Regional Police are investigating a case of alleged sexual violence against a child involving an inline skating coach against his pupil in the Tangerang Selatan area. The head of the Directorate of Child Protection and Women Protection (PPA) and PPO at Metro Jaya Police, Kombes Rita Wulandari, said the victim is a 16-year-old. Accordingly, the examination process is being conducted carefully and in stages with attention to the victim’s psychological condition. ‘In cases involving a child as a victim, we ensure that the handling process prioritises protection, support, and the recovery of the victim,’ Rita said in a statement on Thursday (21/5). Rita explained that the case began from the relationship between the coach and his student within a sports club. The perpetrator is suspected of exploiting the trust relationship as a coach toward a minor victim. ‘From the preliminary investigations, the suspect is believed to have exploited the trust relationship as a coach toward the victim. The incident occurred within a certain period in the South Tangerang and South Jakarta areas,’ she said. The alleged sexual violence came to light after the victim’s family learned there was communication between the victim and the suspect. After receiving support, the victim subsequently underwent staged examinations and then disclosed the events she experienced. ‘Investigators have questioned the victim, the family, related witnesses, a psychologist, a digital forensics expert, and medical personnel to strengthen the evidentiary basis of the case,’ Rita said. Meanwhile, Head of Sub-Directorate 3 of the PPA and PPO Directorate at Metro Jaya Police, Kompol Donny Kristian Bara’langi, said several electronic evidences and supporting documents have been secured by investigators. ‘Assistance to the victim is ongoing. We want to ensure the victim has a safe space throughout the legal process,’ he said. Further, the Metro Jaya Police urged parents, families, and the educational and sporting community to increase supervision of children. Police asked the public to report promptly if they know or suspect any violence against children. ‘We invite all parties to join together to keep the spaces in which children grow safe. If you know or suspect any child violence, report it to the police so it can be addressed quickly and appropriately,’ Donny concluded.