DPR Commission III Investigates the Case of a Teenager Raped by 27 People in Sampang: This is an Extraordinary Crime that Needs Extraordinary Handling

Sampang Police Chief AKBP Hartono when delivering a release about the arrest of the perpetrator of rape of minors. (ANTARA/HO-Sampang Police)

Member of Commission III of the DPR, Abdullah, highlighted the case of alleged rape of a 15-year-old teenager in Sampang, Madura, by 27 perpetrators. According to him, this case is an extraordinary crime that requires special handling.

"The case of sexual violence against teenagers in Sampang, allegedly committed by 27 perpetrators, is one form of sexual crime against children that is very worrying," said Abdullah, Tuesday, July 14.

Abdullah assessed that the incident in Sampang not only showed the vulnerability of children as victims, but also indicated the courage of the perpetrators to commit crimes in groups, which reflected the low fear of legal consequences.

"And it is very worrying that the perpetrators in this case are still in the category of children. This shows that in cases of sexual violence, the vulnerability of children today is no longer a victim, but also a perpetrator," he said.

Therefore, Abdullah supports the enforcement of strict laws against perpetrators. According to him, a different handling is needed from the case of sexual violence in general, considering that the majority of perpetrators are still children in the eyes of the law.

"This Sampang case is an extraordinary crime that requires extraordinary handling. Of course, for perpetrators who are already adults, there must be firm sanctions. In addition to the main criminal threat, the imposition of sentences on perpetrators who commit rape together also needs to be a legal instrument that is indeed provided to provide a deterrent effect," said the PKB legislator.

Even so, Abdullah reminded the police to be careful in handling child perpetrators. In Law No. 12 of 2022 concerning Sexual Violence Crimes (TPKS), the regulation for child perpetrators is synchronized with the Child Criminal Justice System Law (SPPA).

Although there are still rules for his sentence, said Abdullah, child perpetrators are entitled to special assistance in the judicial process. The punishment for child perpetrators focuses more on guidance, re-education, and rehabilitation.

"Justice must certainly be upheld for the victims. Therefore, in cases involving child perpetrators, a relevant approach must be taken," he explained.

On the other hand, Abdullah emphasized the importance of comprehensive assistance for victims. According to him, both the police, related agencies, and the local government must pay attention to the physical and mental recovery of victims until the end.

"Trauma healing must be part of the accompaniment for victims and their families," added Abdullah.

As is known, the case of mass rape that befell a 15-year-old girl in Sampang, Madura, East Java, has become a public concern. The victim is known to have been raped alternately by 27 people over a period of four months.

The family only reported the case on June 29, 2026 because the victim suffered severe trauma. The Sampang Police Investigation Team has arrested 13 of the 27 perpetrators of the rape. The remaining 14 are still being hunted by the Police.

The sad thing is, the gang of perpetrators not only involves adults, but also minors. The majority of the perpetrators are still children.