Martin Hadi Susanto (37) warga Desa Karang Endah, Kecamatan Gelumbang, Kabupaten Muara EnimMartin Hadi Susanto (37) warga Desa Karang Endah, Kecamatan Gelumbang, Kabupaten Muara Enim

Muara Enim, KOTABARI.COM – The Muara Enim Police are intensifying their efforts in the case of child abuse involving a teacher and Paskibra coach, Martin Hadi Susanto (37), a resident of Karang Endah Village, Gelumbang Subdistrict, Muara Enim Regency. It is reported that the case will soon be elevated to the P21 stage.

“We are currently examining the testimonies of the victim’s witnesses, as they are children, and the investigation needs to be handled with utmost care,” said Muara Enim Police Chief AKBP Andi Supriadi, through the Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKP Tony Saputra, on Saturday (July 15, 2023).

According to AKP Tony, the police have conducted intensive security measures and interrogations of the suspect, as well as the witnesses who are victims in the case.

Due to the victims being minors, the questioning procedure differs from the usual criminal investigations, especially considering the nature of the sexual abuse involved. Therefore, special measures are being taken to ensure their protection.

“One of the challenges we face is that the victims are generally reluctant to testify. Insha Allah, the case will be elevated to the P21 stage soon, and the case files will be promptly sent to the Muara Enim Prosecutor’s Office,” he concluded.

When asked about the involvement of a team from South Sumatra Province to coordinate on the matter, Suwandi stated that no such team has been formed thus far.

“As for the total number of victims, there are 13 individuals, but only 6 have provided statements. The rest declined to testify due to reasons such as pursuing higher education, marriage, and other factors,” said Suwandi.

As previously reported, a teacher named Martin Hadi Susanto (37), residing in Karang Endah Village, Gelumbang Subdistrict, Muara Enim Regency, has been arrested.

This is a result of his involvement in sexual misconduct with his own students. Martin served as a Paskibra coach at a high school in Gelumbang Subdistrict from 2020 to 2022.

The modus operandi involved Martin frequently staying overnight and sleeping with the victims at their rented accommodations. The repeated instances of sleeping together eventually led to the acts of sexual abuse.

The perpetrator’s actions were driven by the trauma he experienced during his own primary and middle school years.

For his actions, the suspect will be charged under Article 82, Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Law Number 17 of 2016 concerning Child Protection. The punishment carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, given that the perpetrator is an educational staff member.

The police continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and responsive to cases of sexual violence involving children.

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