Child Abuse Victim In East Luwu Undergoes Forensic Psychological Examination

South Sulawesi Police Public Relations Kombes Ade Indrawan/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

MAKASSAR - The Indonesian Forensic Psychology Team is examining three children who were victimized by the alleged abuse of their father in East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, in 2019. The examination was carried out to ensure that the cases were handled professionally by law enforcement.

"Yes, that's right. Assistance and examination are currently being carried out from the Indonesian Forensic Psychology Association," said Acting Head of Public Relations of the South Sulawesi Police Kombes Ade Indrawan when confirmed in Makassar, quoted by Antara, Thursday, December 2.

He explained that the reported cases related to cases of violence and child molestation have now been handled by investigators by carrying out investigations.

In addition, the East Luwu Police have asked the Indonesian Forensic Psychology Association to assist in conducting examinations and assistance to children of victims of forced violence, including the mothers of the victims' parents.

"The Indonesian Forensic Psychology Team is conducting an examination of the children and their mother. It is still ongoing. We hope that facts and information can be found that can shed light on this case," continued Kombes Ade.

As for the location of the inspection, he said, it was carried out in Makassar and East Luwu Regency. However, Ade did not mention in detail the location of the forensic psychologist examination of the child victim of Rudapkasa and his mother.

Alluding to how many witnesses have been examined by investigators, including the progress of the case being reopened by the police, he said there were dozens of people.

"For the witnesses who were examined, there were approximately 80 people, and that might develop, depending on the results of the examination and investigation. There may be additional examinations or witnesses will be asked for their statements. What is clear, the Lutim Police investigators are committed to making light of this incident," said Kombes Ade.

Regarding the status of the reported victim, in this case, whether the victim's father has been examined, Ade said that his party is still waiting for the results from the Indonesian Forensic Association Team, whether there will be a result or how it will be conveyed and its progress.

The legal assistance team from the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation-Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI-LBH) Makassar is coordinating with the Victim Witness Protection Agency (LPSK) regarding the plan to examine children who are victims of forced violence.

"Because these victims are protected by LPSK both physically and psychologically. This is while we are waiting for the victim's readiness to be examined. We hope that the examination will not be carried out in a hurry and consider the victim's psychology so that the results are maximized," said the victim's legal assistant, Azis Dumpa.

Previously, the victim's mother's hospital reported the alleged assault of three of her children by her ex-husband with the initials SA to the East Luwu Police on October 9, 2019. However, investigators later stopped this on the grounds that there was not enough evidence.

Until July 2021, this case resurfaced after it went viral on social media, and was supported by the victim's mother's statement which was reviewed by several media so that it became a national spotlight.