Police: Rock Climbing Coach Accused of Sexual Harassment including Masturbation and Rape

Indonesia’s Police Crime Directorate (Bareskrim Polri) has unveiled multiple allegations of violence and sexual harassment allegedly perpetrated by Hendra Basir, the former Head Coach of the Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation’s (FPTI) national team.

Brigadier General Nurul Azizah, Director of the Crime Unit for Women and Child Protection and Human Trafficking Eradication at Bareskrim Polri, stated that the harassment allegations involve a total of eight victims.

Based on the modus operandi, the suspect allegedly abused his authority as a coach to approach female athletes and commit acts of indecency ranging from groping to rape. “As Head Coach of the national team, he exploited the vulnerability of female athletes and committed indecent acts including hugging, kissing, touching, masturbation, and sexual intercourse,” she stated in a written statement on Tuesday, 10 March.

According to victim testimonies, the alleged harassment occurred at the Bekasi Athlete Residence. Additionally, Nurul noted that the victims also experienced harassment whilst participating in international competitions.

“The incidents reported allegedly occurred from 2021 to 2025, particularly at the Bekasi Athlete Residence on Jalan Harapan Indah Boulevard, Medan Satria, North Bekasi, as well as in several countries when athletes participated in international competitions,” she said.

In this case, investigators have examined six victims with initials PJ, RS, PL, KA, NA, and AV, represented by legal counsel with initials SD. Victim PJ underwent a medical examination at Polri Kramat Jati Hospital.

For the other athletes, Nurul stated that medical examination requests and psychiatric evaluations have been arranged at Polri Kramat Jati Hospital. The victims have also received psychological and legal support from the FPTI.

Additionally, the police have seized evidence including initial reports of alleged sexual harassment from the FPTI.

In this case, the suspect has been charged with violating Article 6 (b) and (c) of Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes, in conjunction with Article 15 of the same law.

The penalties under these articles carry a maximum prison sentence of 12 years and/or a maximum fine of 300 million rupiah. The punishment may be increased by up to one-third if the crime occurred within an educational setting or was committed more than once.