Sport climbing athletes report alleged sexual violence to police
Several athletes from the Indonesian Sport Climbing Federation (FPTI) have formally reported to the police allegations of sexual and physical abuse by the federation’s head coach at the National Training Centre (Pelatnas). FPTI Chairman Yenny Wahid described the incident as a severe blow to the organisation. The cases emerged after eight athletes bravely reported on 28 January 2026, and the number of complainants rose as a Fact-Finding Team (TPF) conducted its work.
Yenny Wahid said the police reports were filed directly by the athletes because victims’ legal standing rests with them. FPTI is providing full support through legal counsel from Peradi and LBH APIK. ‘Some of our athletes yesterday decided to report to the police. The athletes reported because FPTI could not report (as they were not direct victims). The athletes will explain more fully by the accompanying lawyers,’ she said on 4 March.
This legal step underscores the seriousness with which the federation views alleged misconduct that has exceeded norms and the law. Yenny Wahid added that FPTI will not give space to perpetrators within the organisation. ‘Protecting athletes is the top priority. Everyone in the climbing community must have their dignity and safety safeguarded, both mentally and physically. Zero tolerance.’
In addition to pursuing legal avenues, FPTI has issued deactivation orders for the head coach suspected of wrongdoing. Internal investigations continue to examine breaches from ethical and legal perspectives.
This dark moment is seen as a turning point for FPTI, with a commitment to implement a more professional safeguarding system and a whistleblower protocol to replace a culture historically based on family ties and solidarity.
‘High achievements are meaningless if there are practices that undermine human dignity,’ Yenny said. ‘We want every athlete to train with safety and without fear.’
Robertus Robet, a member of the FPTI Investigation Team, said the TPF is prioritising a victim-centric approach to avoid re-traumatisation and to maintain sensitivity. ‘We know it is not easy for victims to speak openly given societal norms; we therefore follow the victims’ emotional development with care.’
Three medals were won by Indonesian sport climbers on the second day of The World Games 2025 in Chengdu. FPTI also hosted a national selection (Seleknas) for 2025 at the Santika Harapan Indah Hotel in Bekasi, West Java. Yenny Wahid expressed gratitude that clubs founded by former athletes are proliferating and should be supported. The World Championship in China will be a test for Indonesia’s young climbers against peers from around the world. Veddriq Leonardo is exceptional; mentally he is a champion, consistently on the podium at world events.