JAKARTA - The world of Indonesian performance sports is again shaken by a worrying issue. After previously emerging in the sport of rock climbing, now a sexual harassment case has emerged from the Kickboxing sport.
In response to this, the Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Center, Lieutenant General TNI Purn Marciano Norman, gave a firm statement regarding the protection of athletes and sanctions for perpetrators.
East Java Kickboxing Athlete Abuse Case
This case came to light after the East Java-based kickboxing athlete, Viona Amalia Adinda Putri, dared to reveal the abuse she had experienced. Viona is not an ordinary figure; she is the gold medal winner of the PON XXI/2024 Aceh-Sumut and the champion of the female striking GAMMA World Mixed Martial Arts Championships 2023 in Bangkok.
An official report has been submitted to the police since January 2025. Entering February 2025, the Chairman of the East Java Indonesian Kickboxing Provincial Management (KBI) who also acts as a coach, initials WPC, has officially been named a suspect.
KONI Central Chairman, Marciano Norman, strongly condemned the action. He emphasized that the main mission of sports is the glory of achievement, not a place for immoral acts.
"As the Chairman of the Central KONI, I condemn sexual harassment in the sport of achievement. Our goal is noble, namely to lead athletes to achieve achievements and raise the Red and White. We are the Patriots of Indonesian Sports; in our heads there is only Red and White and achievements," said Marciano.
Strict Instructions for All Sports Organizations
Marciano instructed all organizational ranks under the auspices of KONI - including 38 KONI Provinces, KONI IKN, 81 Sports Branch Heads, to functional organizations - to pay serious attention to this problem.
He emphasized three main points in handling sexual harassment cases in the sports environment:
Prevention: Ensuring a safe training environment for all athletes. Protection: Athletes, coaches, and officials must be protected as national assets. Heavy Sanctions: Provide strict punishment for perpetrators who are proven guilty in accordance with applicable laws."Competitive sports are not a place for sexual harassment. If proven, strict sanctions must be given so that this does not happen again in the future," added Marciano.
Support for Victims
At the end of his statement, Marciano gave high appreciation to Viona for his courage to speak out. He also asked related organizations to provide maximum assistance.
"Hopefully the victims will get both material and spiritual support, especially psychological assistance from related sports organizations," he concluded.
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