Pangkostrad: Doctrine Is Upright For Victims Of Ragu Harassment To Report

Pangkostrad Lt. Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak (three right) reviewed the defense equipment exhibition at the National Monument, Jakarta, Monday (25/9/2023). ANTARA/Genta Tenri Mawangi.

JAKARTA - The Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Pangkostrad) Lieutenant General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak admitted that the "right" doctrine that applies internally to the TNI often makes soldiers victims of harassment hesitate to report the perpetrators who are also commanders.

The "right" doctrine is an obligation for soldiers to follow the instructions, directions, and instructions of their commanders or direct superiors in the unit.

"In the TNI, his name is perpendicular, which makes it possible that his members are a bit hesitant to report the commander. That's why we have certain laws," said Pangkostrad when met at the National Monument, Jakarta, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, September 25.

Maruli said it was in response to questions about cases of sexual harassment allegedly committed by a commander against a number of his subordinate soldiers.

A first officer from the Air Defense Artillery Battalion/Kostrad TNI AD is suspected of sexually assaulting seven soldiers of his subordinates, all of whom are two soldiers (prada).

Head of Information for Kostrad Colonel Inf. Hendhi Yustian said the perpetrator with the initials Lieutenant One (Lettu) AAP, a battery commander (danrai), had been detained by the Jaya/1 Military Police Detachment (Denpom) Tangerang after fleeing the unit (desertion).

The case of sexual violence against seven soldiers of Yonarhanud 1/PBC/Kostrad was revealed after an internal investigation was carried out in the unit.

The incident was examined by the unit after there was an anonymous WhatsApp number report regarding the alleged sexual violence perpetrated by the perpetrator against his subordinates.

From the internal examination, the perpetrator is suspected of committing a criminal act of sexual violence against his subordinate soldiers in November 2021, February 2023, March 2023, April 2023, May 2023, June 2023, July 2023.

So far, Pangkostrad said that the new case may only occur in the unit where the perpetrators serve.

"I think there is only one. So, it's a process. This is now (the perpetrator) has been detained. There is an examination. It can't be released. It's our concern. We are also really afraid," said Maruli Simanjuntak.

Maruli also ensured that the legal process against the alleged perpetrators was still ongoing.

Pangkostrad juga memastikan para korban menerima pemulihan psikologis atas kejahatan yang dialami. "Oh pasti, pasti itu (ada pemulihan, red)," katanya.