Chronology Of Persons With Disabilities In Mataram Named Rape Suspect

MATARAM - A person with physical disabilities in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) named I Wayan Agus Swartama was named a suspect in a case of sexual violence by the NTB Police. The determination of Wayan Agus raises debate over legal and humanitarian aspects.

Wayan Agus said that his determination as a suspect began when he walked to find food. After eating, he felt tired and tried to ask someone else for help to take him home. However, the first request was rejected.

At first I asked someone for help, but he didn't want to. Finally, I asked this woman (victim) to take me to campus, and the victim wanted to," said Wayan, Saturday, November 30.

The woman then drove her on a motorbike. However, Wayan revealed that he directed a trip to an area near the Islamic Center in Mataram and had time to go around before finally arriving at a homestay, where alleged sexual violence occurred.

"This woman invited me into the room, she also closed the door, then she took off my clothes. I couldn't fight back because my condition had no hands. If I resisted, I would be ashamed because my clothes had been opened," he added.

After the incident, the victim contacted someone by telephone and met two men around the Islamic Center. Wayan admitted that he was surprised when he was accused of having sexually assaulted him.

"I don't have hypnosis and I'm ready to be examined," Wayan said.

The Head of the Criminal Investigation Division of the NTB Police, AKBP Ni Made Pujawati, explained that the determination of Wayan, who is a person with a disability as a suspect in a sexual violence case, was based on two sufficient pieces of evidence, including witness testimony and evidence.

"This process refers to the Decree of the NTB Police Chief Number 738 of 2024 concerning guidelines for handling persons with disabilities who are in conflict with the law. In this case, we provide special accommodation services through the Laditas program," explained Pujawati.

He added that the article applied was Article 6C of the Law on the Crime of Sexual Violence, which did not require physical violence.

"This article is sufficient to regulate actions or influences that make the victim moved to have sexual relations outside of his will. Witness statements and fact findings also reveal a similar mode in more than one victim, which strengthens the legal basis for determining the suspect," he added.

Currently, Wayan Agus Swartama, a person with a disability who is a suspect in a sexual violence case, is under house arrest for the next 20 days while waiting for further legal proceedings. He hopes that this case will be resolved soon so that he can continue his education and daily activities.