Udayana Military Command probes rape-accused who passed TNI selection
The IX/Udayana Military Command is investigating a man identified by the initials ADO (22) from Larantuka, East Flores Regency, who has been named as a rape suspect and who passed the Indonesian Army selection and has since been sworn in as a soldier of the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD).
The IX/Udayana Public Relations Chief, Colonel Inf. Widi Rahman, said the command is presently tracing and thoroughly examining all information circulating about a person alleged to have status as a TNI-AD serviceman and previously involved in criminal cases in Flores Timur. “There is a strong commitment by the TNI AD to enforcing the law, discipline, and moral integrity of its soldiers, so there is no tolerance for any form of violation of the law, particularly serious criminal offences,” he stated.
He added that the IX/Udayana Command is checking and deepening the data and information circulating. This includes coordinating with law‑enforcement authorities to obtain a full and accurate factual picture.
It was further explained that the recruitment process for TNI-AD soldiers was carried out with strict, transparent, and multi‑layered procedures. The stages of selection include administrative checks, health, psychology, physical fitness, and background investigations of candidates in accordance with applicable regulations.
“It should be understood that if during the process there is legal information not detected or not reported by the party concerned, this will become part of further evaluation and investigation,” he said.
Widi stressed that if the in‑depth process later finds that the person concerned was involved in the criminal acts as reported, the TNI AD will ensure that the legal process is respected and carried out in accordance with the statutory provisions in force. “The TNI AD will not provide protection to anyone proven to have committed a crime,” he asserted. He also emphasised that the institution does not and will not intervene in ongoing legal proceedings, and that the TNI does not endorse parties who claim to represent the institution to pressure victims or their families in handling the case.
The IX/Udayana Command calls on all parties to uphold the presumption of innocence and await the results of the investigations and the ongoing legal process, so that this matter can be resolved objectively, transparently, and fairly. “As a state institution, IX/Udayana remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the recruitment process and ensuring that every TNI-AD member is a soldier with morality, discipline, and responsibility toward the law and society,” he said.
Previously, reports indicated that a youth identified as ADO, who was facing legal action before becoming a TNI member, had passed the selection and had been sworn in as a TNI soldier. Flores Timur Police Chief AKBP Adhitya Octorio Putra said ADO had been named a suspect in a case of sexual violence against a minor on 23 September 2025 and was placed on a wanted list on 16 October 2025. He explained the case involved the sexual violence against a pupil who had just completed junior high school, identified as MFNL (16), reported by the pupil’s parents on 31 August 2025 and linked to ADO. The police report was registered under LP/227/VIII/2025/SPKT/POLRES FLORES TIMUR/POLDA NTT dated 31 August 2025. Investigations indicate the suspect’s acts meet elements of criminal offences and carry a maximum penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment, under Article 81(2) in conjunction with Article 81(1) of Law No. 17 of 2016, on amendments to Law No. 23/2002 on Child Protection, as well as Article 76D of Law No. 35 of 2014 amending Law No. 23/2002 on Child Protection.
Following information that the suspect ADO, involved in a rape or intercourse with a junior high pupil, passed selection and was sworn in as a TNI member on 4 February 2026, authorities will coordinate with Denpom IX/1 Kupang.”