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Police sexual assault case sparks call for detention system reform
The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) reported that in 2024, at least 15 female detainees were subjected to gender-based violence by authorities during the investigation process. This abuse included forced nudity and sexual assault intended to intimidate and coerce the victims into confessing to their alleged crimes.
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Illustration of gender-based violence (Shutterstock/rudall30)
E
ast Java Police have arrested an officer of the Pacitan Police for allegedly sexually assaulting a female detainee, the latest in a long list of abuse cases in police custody that have reignited calls for thorough reform of Indonesia’s detention system.
East Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Jules Abraham Abast said the officer, identified only as First Adj. Insp. LC, allegedly sexually assaulted the 21-year-old female detainee multiple times between April 4 and 6. The victim had been arrested in connection with an alleged human trafficking case involving minors.
“The incident took place inside the victim’s cell. Our Internal Affairs Division [Propam] has been investigating the alleged sexual abuse over the past week and has detained and questioned LC,” he said in a recent statement, as quoted by Kompas.com.
National Police Commission (Kompolnas) commissioner Choirul Anam has condemned the incident, urging police to pursue a criminal investigation against LC, not just an internal ethics probe.
“An ethical investigation is not enough. This is a very serious case because the victim was under the officer’s authority,” Choirul said on Sunday, as reported by Kompas.id.
“If the officer is found guilty, he must receive the maximum punishment, both ethically and criminally, including dismissal from the police force,” he added.
The incident adds to a long list of abuse cases committed by police officers against women in detention, as well as women whose family members were being held in police custody.
