Police Investigate Alleged Sexual Harassment Case Involving Writer Panji Sukma

Sukoharjo Police are continuing to investigate the alleged sexual violence case implicating writer with initials PS, or Panji Sukma. The police are still awaiting the presence of witnesses from the victim’s side to strengthen the examination process. Sukoharjo Police’s Head of Criminal Investigation, AKP Zaenudin, stated that they have been in intensive communication with the victim’s advocate and legal counsel. However, to date, no witnesses have been presented to provide statements. “Not yet (witness examination). The advocate or legal counsel has not yet presented the witnesses. We have communicated, and we are still delving into this,” he said to detikJateng on Tuesday (31/3). According to Zaenudin, the presence of witnesses heavily depends on coordination with the victim’s advocate, as they hold the addresses of the respective witnesses. “Those who can bring the witnesses are the ones who have their addresses. We will update on the developments,” he explained. Zaenudin noted that the report of the alleged sexual violence was received some time ago, estimated before the fasting period or Eid. The report was made with official accompaniment from the victim’s support institution. “The report was likely before fasting or before Eid. The point is, this is still in process and we are continuing to investigate,” he clarified. Zaenudin stated that they will handle the case in accordance with applicable legal procedures. The police will promptly elevate the case status once all necessary evidence is fulfilled. “If the evidence is sufficient, then we proceed. Now we are still waiting for further communication with the advocate or their lawyer,” he concluded. The case had previously sparked widespread discussion on social media after the victim’s advocate from Spek-HAM revealed allegations of manipulative actions and verbal violence experienced by the victim over an eight-month acquaintance period with the alleged perpetrator. The name of the writer from Karanganyar, Central Java, had gone viral in the online world. The Sang Keris novelist was accused of being manipulative and committing sexual violence. After the case went viral, Panji Sukma’s legal representative, Nanang Hartanto from HN & Partners, spoke out. “We will respond to all issues circulating in digital media; there must be clarification on what is being accused. That is not accurate,” Nanang said, as quoted from Detik. Nanang emphasised that the accusations levelled against his client are untrue. He denied them. “What has been accused so far regarding sexual violence did not happen at all. Tomorrow, 1 April, we will hold a press conference to clarify what is circulating. To make it clear, including matters that attack personally,” he said.