Indonesian Court Sentence Child Sexual Abuse Defendant to 20 Years in Prison

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Purwakarta District Court sentenced Opan Sopandi, the defendant of sexual abuse against children case, to 20 years in prison. Opan, who worked as a religious tutor, was found guilty of sexually abusing 15 children in Purwakarta, West Java. 

The defendant was also obliged to pay fines amounting to Rp2 billion and restitutions amounting to Rp183,755,000 to the victims. The court also seized the defendant’s assets to be auctioned, and the results given to the victims. 

The Deputy Head of Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), Sri Nurherwati, appreciates the decision no. 71/Pid.Sus/2024/PN.Pwk for the possible deterrent effect for the perpetrator. 

“Hopefully, the severe punishment could prevent the occurrence of similar cases in the future and remind all parties of the necessity of protecting children from sexual abuse,” she said in a written statement on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

LPSK believed the maximum penalty for Opan was influenced by social support and law enforcement. “The good cooperation between citizens, village apparatus, and law enforcement officials is the key to creating a safe and secure environment for the victims to speak up bravely and report the crime,” Sri explained.

On the other hand, without a support system, sexual abuse victims could feel fearful and uncomfortable in disclosing the abuse they experienced. 

LPSK currently protecting 15 victims and 9 family members involved in the sexual abuse case. They are provided with legal assistance and psychological as well as psychosocial rehabilitation. 

DANI RAHMA FIKA

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