Rock Climbing Coach Investigated for Alleged Sexual Violence Against Female Athletes at Training Centre
The Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri) is investigating allegations of sexual assault by a former head coach of the national rock climbing training centre (pelatnas), identified as HB, against several female athletes. The alleged acts are believed to have occurred between 2021 and 2025.
Brigadier General Nurul Azizah, Director of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Crime Investigation at Bareskrim Polri, stated that investigators discovered the allegations after examining six victims identified as PJ, RS, PL, KA, NA and AV, accompanied by their legal representatives, SD.
According to the victims’ statements, the alleged sexual assault was committed by the accused coach HB at the Bekasi Athlete Dormitory. Additionally, the victims experienced harassment whilst participating in international competitions abroad.
“The reported incidents are believed to have occurred from 2021 to 2025, particularly at the Bekasi Athlete Dormitory on Jalan Harapan Indah Boulevard, Medan Satria, North Bekasi, as well as in several countries when athletes participated in international competitions,” Nurul stated in a written statement on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
The accused HB previously served as head coach of the national rock climbing team. He has since been dismissed from his position by the Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation (FPTI).
In this case, investigators conducted a forensic examination of victim PJ at Polri Kramat Jati Hospital. Meanwhile, for the other athletes, requests for forensic examinations and psychiatric evaluations have been prepared at the same facility.
“Requests for forensic examinations and psychiatric evaluations have also been issued for the other athletes at Polri Kramat Jati Hospital,” Nurul stated.
According to Nurul’s preliminary findings, investigators believe the accused exploited his position as head coach to approach the female athletes. The alleged actions included indecent conduct.
“The suspected modus operandi involves misuse of authority as head coach of the national training centre by exploiting the vulnerability of female athletes, and then committing indecent acts,” Nurul explained.
The victims are currently receiving psychological and legal support from the FPTI. Additionally, investigators have seized evidence including initial reports of alleged sexual harassment from the FPTI, as well as identity documents and WhatsApp conversations between the female athletes and the accused.
The accused is charged with violating Article 6 sections B and C of Law No. 12 of 2022 concerning Sexual Violence Crimes, in conjunction with Article 15 of the same law, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 12 years and/or a fine of up to 300 million rupiah.