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school principal from Batam, Riau Islands, on Wednesday attempted to commit suicide by drinking insecticide after 19 of his students reported him for sexual abuse.

The Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) Batam chapter gave its full support to SMP 28 state junior high school principal Herizon, 45, regarding the accusations that they deemed should be proven.

The case came to light on April 15 after the school committee reported the matter to Batam Deputy Mayor Rudi. The report was followed up with the accounts of the victims of sexual abuse to the Batam, Rempang and Galang (Barelang) police.

Barelang City Police Crime and Intelligence Unit chief Comr. Ponco Indriyo said the police were still investigating the case.

'€œThe suspect had not responded to our summons on Tuesday. We called him for the second time today but were informed of his suicide attempt,'€ said Ponco.

According to Ponco, based on medical examinations, two of the 19 students showed signs of sexual abuse caused by a blunt object.

Herizon was taken to the Awal Bros Hospital in Batam early on Wednesday after drinking the poisonous liquid, he is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Batam PGRI head Rustam Effendi told The Jakarta Post at the hospital that PGRI had given its full support to Herizon due to his good track record.

'€œWe fully support Herizon. The accusation must be proven beforehand. We have provided legal assistance to him,'€ said Rustam.

Herizon'€™s lawyer Abdul Kadir said that based on his client'€™s statement, the rape charges were baseless and that the students'€™ accounts and medical examination could not prove his client had committed the sexual abuse.

A number of female students interviewed by the police had said Herizon would summon students whom he wished to molest to his office. It is alleged the students were either sexually abused in his office or taken for a ride in his car and then raped.

A victim, identified only as UK, said that she was raped within the period of January to April this year. The methods used by Herizon varied and included accusations of pregnancy so an '€œexamination'€ had to be conducted.

'€œHe threatened to expel me from school. The examination was just a disguise for rape. I want the case legally processed. He must get a just punishment,'€ said UK.

Batam Education Office head Muslim Bidin said his office had withdrawn Herizon from his post as principal in response to the accusations.