Student's Assault on Australian Tourist in Sumba Leads to Severe Trauma

IMC (30), an Australian property developer, was enjoying a sunrise at Pailiang Beach in Bondo Kodi, Southwest Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, when the incident occurred. The suspect, identified as AH (17), a local student, approached the victim while leading a horse and initiated a conversation before suddenly attacking her. He pulled her collar and tripped her, causing her to fall onto her back on the shore. AH then stripped off the victim’s lower clothing and molested her. When she resisted, he grabbed her head and repeatedly forced it underwater, causing her to struggle for breath. The suspect then dragged the victim into coastal bushes. Fearing rape, the victim offered her iPhone 14 Pro and money, but AH instead beat her. She managed to escape by slipping out of her top while the suspect seized her phone, fleeing naked to her hotel. The victim reported the attempted rape and assault to police on Monday. AH has been named a suspect and faces up to 12 years in prison under the new Criminal Code and the Juvenile Justice System Law. Police have secured evidence including the victim’s clothing and the damaged iPhone. The victim, who was initially terrified and traumatised, is gradually recovering after receiving security assurances from authorities.