Rape cases up in S. Sumatra

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The number of reported rapes in the province continues to rise at an alarming rate, with the police reporting at least 119 cases in 2000.

In the first five months of this year there have been 38 rapes reported to the police.

Most of the rape victims in the province, which has a population of over 6.5 million, were teenagers, but some of the victims were elementary school students under the age of 10.

"Yes, there were some elementary school students raped, so we appeal to parents to pay more attention to their children," M. Sulaiman, the South Sumatra Police spokesman, said.

Sulaiman also expressed concern at the number of rapes, adding that "we are looking at ways to prevent rape".

Separately, Pradiana Padma, a psychologist from Psychology Clinic Potensia, said about five elementary school students were recently raped. (33)