Joniansyah, Jakarta – Authorities are on the lookout for W (40), a Quran reciting teacher suspected of sexually assaulting four children in the South Sudimara area of Ciledug, Tangerang City. The suspect has been missing since November 29, 2024, nearly a month before the case was officially reported to the police.
Metro Tangerang City Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Zain Dwi Nugroho, confirmed that the suspect had left his home in Kampung Dukuh, South Sudimara, on November 29, 2024. "The suspect has been on the run since November 29, 2024, and our team is still pursuing him. His whereabouts remain unknown," Zain stated on Thursday, January 9.
The case came to light when J, the 54-year-old parent of one of the victims, filed a report with the police on December 23, 2024. Following the report, officers from the Women and Children Protection Unit (PPA) escorted the victims for medical examinations to support the investigation. Police also recorded statements from the complainant, the victims, and witnesses on the same day.
During the investigation, police attempted to summon the suspect twice – on December 27 and December 30, 2024 – but he failed to appear.
"Following the case review, we upgraded the investigation to a criminal probe on January 3, 2025, after gathering sufficient evidence that a crime had been committed," Zain explained.
According to the investigation, the suspect had fled his home in Kampung Dukuh, South Sudimara Village, Ciledug District, on November 29, 2024, about a month before the case was reported by the victims' families.
As of now, four children have been identified as victims, with the police continuing their efforts to locate the suspect.
Zain said that throughout the investigation, the Metro Tangerang City Police have been providing psychological support for the victims, involving psychologists from the Women and Children Protection and Empowerment Agency (P2TP2A) and other relevant local authorities to assist with trauma recovery.