Remember The SPI High School Sexual Violence Case? Komnas PA Says There Will Be Another Suspect

Chairman of Komnas PA, Arist Merdeka Sirait/ Antara

EAST JAVA - The National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas PA) stated that it is possible to add another suspect related to cases of sexual violence and economic exploitation at SMA Selamat Pagi Indonesia (SPI) Batu, East Java.

The chairman of Komnas PA, Arist Merdeka Sirait, said there was a possibility of adding four more suspects related to cases of economic exploitation and physical violence that occurred at the SPI School.

"Yes (there may be other suspects), there are four plans. Five people including JE, but with different violations of the law," he said.

He explained that JE was named a suspect in the case of alleged sexual violence against dozens of students at the Batu City SPI School. While the possibility of additional suspects, related to economic exploitation, and physical violence.

According to him, currently the four people are still witnesses and have undergone an examination at the East Java Regional Police. They are the manager of the SPI School dormitory, the manager of a tourist destination, and the administrator of the foundation.

"I dare say that, because (they) have been investigated. There are four people who are witnesses, maybe not a case of sexual crime, but economic exploitation and physical violence," he said.

He added that currently the victims of sexual violence cases allegedly committed by JE are under the protection of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK). He said there was intimidation of the victims.

"The victim is under the protection of LPSK. There were eight people who came to the village where the complainant lived, they didn't know who it was. But it was pressure and intimidation," he said. On May 29, 2021, the National Commission for Child Protection reported the findings of alleged extraordinary crimes to the East Java Regional Police. The violence was allegedly carried out by the owner and manager of the SPI School with the initials JE.

The school owner was accused of sexual, physical, verbal and economic exploitation of dozens of students. The report to the authorities was filed after Komnas PA received a report from one of the victims.

The East Java Police have named JE as a suspect in a case of alleged sexual violence against dozens of children at the school.