A 20-year-old man identified as AK in Maluku's Tanimbar Islands has been arrested for repeatedly raping a 17-year-old girl, resulting in her pregnancy. The case surfaced after the victim's parents reported it on October 27, 2025. The perpetrator faces up to 15 years in prison.
A case of child rape under the age of consent has resurfaced in Maluku's Tanimbar Islands Regency. The Women's and Children's Protection Unit (PPA) of the Tanimbar Islands Police Resort Criminal Investigation Unit arrested AK (20), a resident of Arui Bab Village, Wertamrian District, suspected of having sexual intercourse with victim AR (17), resulting in her pregnancy.
The incident came to light after the victim's parents reported it to the Tanimbar Islands Police Resort on October 27, 2025. Investigations revealed that the perpetrator and victim had been in a romantic relationship since 2023. Through persuasion and sweet promises, AK had intercourse with the victim multiple times from February to September 2024. Their relationship ended temporarily when AK began a relationship with another woman and had a child from that union.
In mid-2025, after quarreling with his new partner, AK reapproached the victim and repeated the act. Soon after, the victim became pregnant and confided in her parents. Following witness examinations and further investigations, the PPA Unit named AK as a suspect and detained him since November 10, 2025.
Tanimbar Islands Police Chief AKBP Ayani, in a statement on November 12, 2025, reaffirmed the police's commitment to cracking down on sexual violence against children. “Indecent acts against children in Tanimbar Islands Regency continue to occur and are even increasing. We are maximizing efforts in socialization, prevention, and strict law enforcement. However, we also need support from all parties, especially parents, to strengthen supervision of their children,” said AKBP Ayani.
Ayani highlighted that perpetrators often come from the victim's close environment, even family. She urged religious leaders and community figures to actively educate on morals. “Victims of indecent crimes involving children generally suffer severe psychological trauma. Without proper support, victims can lose self-confidence and even their future. This is a shared responsibility for all of us,” she added.