The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Ensures To Follow Up On The Ambassador's Sexual Harassment Report At The Indonesian Embassy In Abuja

ILLUSTRATION BETWEEN

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes seriously the report on complaints of sexual harassment committed by officials within the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Abuja, Nigeria, against former staff.

Regarding reports about allegations of sexual harassment involving Indonesian diplomat officials, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that there were publications in several media related to complaints from Indonesian Embassy Abuja Nigeria staff who reported allegations of acts committed by officials within the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja.

Related to this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes the report seriously and continues to observe and follow up in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to communicate with all relevant parties to obtain comprehensive information regarding various facts that occur.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also previously provided psychological assistance assistance to the staff concerned while continuing to complete and follow up on the results of the report.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms the commitment to always oblige all ranks to comply with the code of ethics and high professionalism standards in carrying out their duties and will not tolerate behavior that is contrary to the principles of diplomatic ethics.

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.

Previously, media sources in Nigeria World reported a petition from a former Indonesian Embassy staff member in Abuja to the authorities and the Indonesian Embassy on serious charges of sexual harassment and illegal retaliation against the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria Usra Hendra Harahap.

The victim's attorney with the title: A Urging Request for Intervention in Cases of Sexual Harassment, Intimidation, and Termination of Law-Unlaw Relations' has been received by the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador, Embassy of Indonesia, Head of Chancellor, and Inspector General of Police (IGP) in June 2024.

In the petition, the victim whose identity was kept secret for reasons of privacy and security, alleged that on February 7, 2024, during his official duties at the embassy, Ambassador Harahap was involved in unwanted and inappropriate physical behavior when he helped him find the location of a Nigerian state on a map in his office.

The alleged meeting was reported to have caused significant psychological trauma, prompting the victim to return to Jakarta, seeking professional counseling and support, according to the media report.