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Top official accused of molesting teen intern
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Activists protest against violence against women and children at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle on Jan. 29. They demanded the government and society pay more attention to sexual crimes against children and women. (Tempo/Eko Siswono Toyudho)
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16-year-old student who was doing an internship at the Manado administration reported an agency head to the North Sulawesi Police on Thursday for alleged molestation.
The girl and her mother were accompanied by the head of the North Sulawesi Child Protection Commission, Jull Takaliuang, and a representative of women crisis center Swara Parangpuan.
“The victim did not report her case right away because she was interning at the office as part of practical experience for school. She was concerned that if she spoke out her grades would be affected,” Jull said.
Jull said the victim was adamant about filing a police report despite the incident occurring late last month..
“Being a minor gives her a strong reason to speak up. We suspect a crime has occurred because she was forced to sit on the agency head’s lap and he fondled her,” she went on.
Rumors are swirling that it was the head of a government agency who has been implicated in the case. He reportedly took the girl to his room when the building was quiet and offered her contract work after graduation and promised to help sign up for the local Nona Manado beauty pageant.
When contacted via short text, the agency head responded, “Please respect the legal process.”
The girl’s lawyer Sofyan Jimmy Yosadi said his client had proof of the allegation.
“Many people say we don’t have a strong case and that it will go nowhere. But I have proof,” he said. (evi)
