Suspected Cover-Up in Indonesia: Investigation into Senior Police Officer for Sexual Harassment Closed
Human rights organizations in West Sumatra are fighting after a criminal investigation into a senior police officer suspected of sexually harassing a subordinate officer was closed. The complainant reported threats and heavy pressure to reach a settlement, in violation of Indonesian law that prohibits mediation in sex crimes. The attorney claims serious flaws in evidence review and lack of transparency.
Human rights organizations in West Sumatra, Indonesia, are fighting following the closure of a criminal investigation into a senior police officer suspected of sexually harassing a subordinate officer. The investigation was halted at the preliminary stage, and the complainant reported threats and heavy pressure from various parties to reach an out-of-court settlement. This step violates Indonesia's law on the prevention of sexual violence, which explicitly prohibits mediation or compromise in such offenses. The officer's attorney strongly condemned the termination of the legal process, emphasizing the dramatic power imbalance between the parties, as the suspect is the complainant's direct superior. Additionally, it is claimed that the investigation was not conducted transparently and that key expert testimony was sidelined. Representatives of the local legal aid organization demanded the immediate reopening of the investigation, arguing that the process is neither objective nor transparent. The incident was reported simultaneously in criminal and disciplinary proceedings, but the criminal investigation was closed prematurely.