Teacher Facing 15 Years in Prison for Allegedly Molesting 13 Students in West Sumba
Police have named Marselinus Munceng, also known as MM, as a suspect in the alleged molestation of 13 students at a private primary school in West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The teacher is currently in police custody and faces a potential sentence of 15 years in prison.
“The suspect has been named and is being detained at the West Sumba Police Resort,” stated the Head of Public Relations for the West Sumba Police, Inspector Ruslan Amin, on Sunday (6/9/2026).
Ruslan explained that investigators have secured sufficient evidence to establish Marselinus as a suspect. He had previously been interrogated as a witness.
Following his designation as a suspect, Marselinus is being charged under Article 6, letter c of Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes, and/or Article 418, Paragraph (2), letter b, sub-article 415, letter b of Law Number 1 of 2023 (the Criminal Code), which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
On Monday (31/8/2026), police carried out enforcement measures and immediately detained MM at the West Sumba Police Resort for the next 20 days.
“Currently, investigators are coordinating with the public prosecutor (JPU) to expedite the legal process,” Ruslan explained.
Furthermore, Ruslan noted that based on current data, there are 13 identified victims. However, the number of victims is expected to increase if further police reports are filed.
“The case was reported directly by the victims’ parents,” Ruslan concluded.
It was previously reported that Marselinus allegedly molested 13 male and female students, a number that may rise. “For now, based on the examination, there are 13 victims, but it is possible the number will increase,” said Ruslan.
Ruslan revealed that the sexual abuse experienced by the dozen victims occurred between October 2025 and June 2026, during which time the victims were attending private tutoring sessions at the school.
Police investigations also suggest that MM may have sexual deviations. The victims consist of both female and male students.
“The modus operandi involved private tutoring sessions, combined with the perpetrator’s sexual deviations,” Ruslan stated.