Youth and Sports Minister guarantees confidentiality of victims’ identities in cases of physical violence and sexual harassment

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, has guaranteed the confidentiality of the identities of climbers who have reported as victims of physical violence and sexual harassment, a number that has risen from eight to ten athletes.

‘The nation stands with the athletes, protecting the confidentiality of the reporters’ identities and providing full protection for them from all forms of pressure and intimidation,’ Thohir said in an official statement in Jakarta on Friday.

He was responding to the increase in climbers reporting alleged cases of physical violence and sexual harassment by their head coach.

Previously, the number consisted of five male athletes and three female athletes. Now, two more athletes have reported the same alleged cases, bringing the provisional total to ten.

In addition to guaranteeing confidentiality, the Minister urged that victims receive long-term legal and psychological support to safeguard their futures.

The oversight mechanism, he said, must strengthen a safe and confidential reporting system and protect athletes across all sports.

As a mitigatory step, a channel has been provided for athletes to report alleged violence or harassment via the site pengaduan.atlet@kemenpora.go.id.

Earlier, the Minister had expressed support for the Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation (Federation Panjat Tebing Indonesia – FPTI) in assisting and facilitating the athletes suspected of being victims to report the cases to the Police.

He wants the cases to be thoroughly investigated and, if the perpetrators are found guilty, to receive the maximum punishment to create a deterrent so that similar cases do not happen again.

The Minister added that every athlete has the right to a safe, dignified sporting environment, free from all forms of violence.

‘The government will not tolerate acts of sexual violence in the world of sport,’ he said.