Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Intervenes Investigating Allegations Of Sexual Harassment By The Indonesian Ambassador To Nigeria

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) takes seriously the report of alleged sexual harassment involving the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, Usra Hendra Harahap, against his former staff.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that there were publications in several media regarding complaints from the staff of the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, who reported allegations of actions committed by officials within the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja," said the spokesman for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Roy Soemirat, in an official statement, Wednesday, January 1.

He added that this report received full attention from the ministry. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes the report seriously and continues to observe and follow up in accordance with applicable legal provisions," he said.

Roy explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to assist the victim and investigate the truth of the alleged case. As proof of seriousness, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has implemented preventive measures through special guidelines since 2022.

"As a precautionary measure, since 2022 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a circular regarding the prevention and handling of sexual violence within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indonesian representatives abroad," explained Roy.

The case of sexual harassment revealed by the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Usra Hendra Harahap, was reported to have sexually harassed his former staff. This report emerged after the victim filed a petition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through his team of lawyers.

The petition entitled "Encouraged Requests for Intervention of Cases of Sexual Violence, Intimidation, and Unilateral Termination" revealed that the victim experienced psychological trauma and decided to return to Jakarta to seek professional counseling and support.

According to a Nigeriaworld.com report, the victim was diagnosed with Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD) is severe, anxiety, and depression, based on an examination by a Ministry of Foreign Affairs psychologist.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that it would ensure transparency and justice in handling this case.