Child Abuse Rises In Tulungagung, Police Reveal 5 Cases With 19 Victims

Tulungagung Police Chief AKBP Taat Resdi gave a press statement regarding the disclosure of five cases of child molestation in the last two months in the Tulungagung jurisdiction, (ANTARA/HO - Joko Pramono)

TULUNGAGUNG - Tulungagung Resort Police revealed five cases of child molestation in the last two months, with a total of 19 children.

A number of perpetrators even came from the victim's immediate environment, including neighbors and their own parents.

The Head of the Tulungagung Police, AKBP Taat Resdi, said the most cases occurred in a boarding school in the Ngunut area, with nine victims aged 8 to 12 years. The perpetrator is a 25-year-old teacher who has now been arrested by the police.

"The second case occurred in Bandung District with seven victims aged 6 to 9 years. The perpetrator was a neighbor of the victim, a 39-year-old man," said AKBP Taat at a press conference in Tulungagung, Antara, Friday, July 13.

Another case occurred in Kedungwaru District, with the victim an 8-year-old girl. The perpetrator is known to be the victim's neighbor, 46 years old.

Meanwhile, two other cases involved the perpetrator who was even more surprising: the biological father and stepfather of the victim. The two victims were 16 years old each and came from Pakel and Sumbergempol areas.

According to the results of the examination, one of the perpetrators showed a tendency for pedophilia and was known to have experienced sexual violence as a child. The majority of perpetrators also admitted that they were encouraged to commit depraved acts after watching pornographic content.

The perpetrators were charged with Article 81 paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and Article 82 paragraph (1), (2) of Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection, as amended by Law Number 17 of 2016. The maximum penalty is 15 years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 15 billion.

Meanwhile, the Head of the UPTD for the Protection of Women and Children (PPA) of the Tulungagung KB and PPA Offices, Dwi Yanuarti, admitted that the trend of violence against children in his area was still relatively high.

"Throughout 2024, there were 50 cases of violence against children, mostly sexual violence. Generally it occurs in the closest environment, both family and neighbors," said Dwi.

His party is currently providing intensive assistance to the victims, including strengthening the psychological and social condition of children so that the recovery process runs optimally.

"The victim's psychological trauma can last for a long time, even to adulthood. Family and environmental support is very important," he said.