Rape Suspect Dismissed from Indonesian Armed Forces after Evading Capture in East Flores
A fugitive suspect in a child rape case in East Flores Regency, initialised ADO, has finally been dismissed from the Indonesian Army Land Forces (TNI AD). ADO was previously named a suspect and placed on the most-wanted list (DPO), but had managed to enlist as a TNI soldier.
“Following coordination efforts, the suspect was processed by Regional Command IX Bali in accordance with applicable TNI AD legal procedures, and on 10 March 2026, the suspect was dismissed from active TNI AD membership based on a decision letter from the Army Chief of Staff Number: kepada/122a-33/III/2026,” said East Flores Police Chief AKBP Adhitya Octoria Putra at the East Flores Police Headquarters auditorium on Thursday (12/3/2026).
Adhitya stated that ADO was handed over by the Commander of Regional Command IX Udayana to investigators from the Women and Child Protection unit (PPA) of the East Flores Police in the presence of both parents to undergo further legal proceedings.
Following the handover, investigators immediately conducted a forced action in the form of arrest based on an Arrest Warrant Letter Number: SP.Kap/16/III/RES.1.24./2026/Reskrim, dated 10 March 2026.
The suspect was then brought in based on a Suspect Delivery Warrant Letter Number: SP.Bawa.Tsk./16/III/RES.1.24./2026/Reskrim, dated 11 March 2026. He was accompanied by the Intelligence Officer of Military Command 1624 Larantuka along with his parents from Maumere to the East Flores Police Headquarters.
Upon arrival at the East Flores Police Headquarters, ADO was questioned as a suspect by investigators until approximately 17:30 Wita.
“The suspect was immediately detained at the East Flores Police detention facility for 20 days from 11 March 2026 to 30 March 2026 based on a Detention Warrant Letter Number: SP.Han/12/III/RES.1.24./2026/Reskrim, dated 11 March 2026,” he added.
Adhitya stated that investigators will expedite the case file preparation process to be sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. He faces a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
The case began with a report from the victim’s parents on 31 August 2025. The alleged incident occurred the day before, Saturday (30/8), when the student initialised MFNL (16) went to school to collect a diploma.
The victim’s mother, TJW, stated that the victim was invited by ADO, who was a former alumnus of the school, to find food. However, the victim was instead taken to ADO’s house in Lamawalang.
“When they arrived there was no food vendor. They went to Patai Susteran and there was also no rice seller. ADO took MFNL to his house in Lamawalang,” said TJW.
At the house, the victim asked to be taken home. However, ADO forced the victim into a room and raped her. Following the incident, the victim was taken home and experienced bleeding for up to three weeks.
East Flores Police Public Relations Chief, AKP Eliezer A Kalelado, stated that ADO was named a suspect on 23 September 2025 after a case discussion and when two pieces of evidence were met.
“From the investigation, investigators held a case discussion and elevated the case to the investigation stage. From the case discussion results, ADO was also named a suspect because two pieces of evidence were already met,” he explained.
Investigators called ADO twice, but he did not appear, eventually resulting in his placement on the most-wanted list on 16 October 2025.
“Investigators placed suspect ADO on the most-wanted list (DPO) on 16 October 2025,” he concluded.