TNI Member in Kendari Becomes Fugitive in Child Sexual Violence Case

Kendari (ANTARA) - The Military Police Detachment (Denpom) XIV/3 Kendari has designated a TNI member with the initials Sergeant MB as a wanted person (DPO) for his alleged involvement in a child sexual violence case against an underage victim in the area.

Commander of Denpom XIV/3 Kendari, Lieutenant Colonel CPM Haryadi Budaya Pela, stated in Kendari on Friday that the DPO status was issued because the individual fled during intensive questioning related to the alleged legal violation.

“We have requested his unit to issue a DPO warrant against the perpetrator. Our intelligence personnel have also been deployed to the field to conduct a search,” Haryadi said.

He explained that the case file for Sergeant MB had been transferred from his unit in Kodim 1417/Kendari to Denpom for further handling. Despite the perpetrator’s flight, the investigation continues, with three witnesses examined, including the victim’s parents.

“We have not yet taken a statement from the victim because she is still traumatised and has just finished her school exams,” he added.

Haryadi emphasised that his side is committed to resolving the case transparently, given that it has drawn the attention of TNI AD leadership.

Sergeant MB also faces multiple charges, including alleged child sexual violence and desertion or unauthorised absence (THTI) for leaving his duties without explanation.

“We will apply multiple charges according to the actions committed,” he asserted.

In the pursuit process, Denpom XIV/3 Kendari is coordinating with Kodim 1417/Kendari and seeking assistance from the Sulawesi Tenggara Regional Police to expedite the arrest. They have also urged Sergeant MB to surrender immediately.

Meanwhile, Commander of Kodim 1417/Kendari, Colonel Arm Danny AP Girsang, expressed apologies for the alleged actions of his member.

He explained that Sergeant MB fled during an internal examination by pretending to go for a meal but did not return.

Based on initial examination results, the perpetrator, who still has a family relationship with the victim, is alleged to have committed sexual violence on 15 April at his residence and is suspected of doing so repeatedly.

“We do not tolerate this. Legal proceedings will be enforced in accordance with applicable regulations,” Danny stated.