TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa has urged Sidoarjo Precinct Police to investigate rape case against a 14-year-old girl, NR, in Asri Trompo Village, Sidoarjo, East Java. The victim, who hailed from a poor family, was raped by five people – three of whom are juveniles – between July to September 2015.
“The case had apparently been reported but was not being followed up. I hope police will soon follow it up,” Khofifah said yesterday, May 22, 2016, when meeting with the victim and her family at her house. After public furor, NR and her family were forced to move from their house to a duck shelter owned by local resident.
Khofifah urged the police not to neglect the case, even more so that it has happened to a poor family who lack access to law and justic. Khofifah said police should not be selective in investigating cases. “Therefore, I want justice to be given by police to the victim and her family,” she said.
Aside from urging police to immediately investigate the case, Khofifah has also called on the public to give protection and take the side of the victim and her family. “The public should take part in enforcing justice for all citizens. Not only villagers, but also all citizens,” she said.
The victim is currently 8 months pregnant. Before reporting the case to Sidoarjo Police, the family of the victim had reported it to village authorities and were offered an amicable settlement. The cash compensation, however, had not materialized.
Failing to get justice, the family were furious and reported it to Sidoarjo Precinct Police late December 2015. However, the report had not been followed up. The five offenders, namely Sokeh, 45; Udin, 21; and three minors are still at large, despite admitting their conduct during the mediation.
Sidoarjo Precinct Police Criminal Investigation Unit Chief Adj. Comr. Wahyudin Latif said the case is still being investigated. He has pledged to resolve the case.
NUR HADI
