Legal Aid Prepares Case with Video Evidence; Victims Allege Coercion and Coerced Acts Over Three-Year Period
LOMBOK, Indonesia — A New Zealand citizen and hotel owner in Sekotong, West Lombok, is facing grave allegations of sexual assault and exploitation from local residents, according to a university-based legal aid organization preparing a criminal complaint.
The case involves claims of coercion and false promises spanning years, poised to test legal and social dynamics in a developing tourism area. It is important to note these are allegations; they have not yet been tested in court, and no formal charges have been filed at the time of publication.
Details of the Emerging Accusations
The allegations were brought forward by Joko Jumadi, Chairman of the Legal Consultation and Aid Bureau at the University of Mataram’s Law Faculty. Jumadi stated that three local residents from the Gerung and Batu Layar districts—two women and one man, all aged between 30 and 40—have sought legal counsel. They reportedly accuse the man, identified by his initials RMS, of pressuring them into alleged coercive sexual acts, including scenarios involving multiple partners.
“One of the victims was allegedly promised marriage but was instead exploited and forced into these situations,” Joko Jumadi explained via a WhatsApp statement. He further claimed one individual reported being subjected to this alleged exploitation for approximately three years, and that the man’s wife was also reportedly involved.
Legal Machinery Begins to Turn
Jumadi’s organization is currently conducting internal reviews to determine the appropriate legal strategy. He confirmed they are in possession of potential evidence, including video material, and are preparing to file an official police report imminently.
“We are still considering whether to submit the report to the West Lombok Police or the NTB Regional Police. We will decide soon,” Jumadi stated. “We have the video; this is a serious matter that requires deep examination.”
Broader Implications for a Connected Region
For the international community in Bali and across Indonesia, this developing story underscores critical issues. It highlights the potential vulnerability of local communities in interactions where there may be a significant imbalance of economic or social power, particularly within the hospitality and tourism sectors. The case brings into sharp focus the paramount importance of accessible legal recourse and robust support systems for victims.
The impending police report will be a crucial next step, as Indonesian law treats sexual violence and coercion as severe crimes. The authorities’ handling of the case will be closely observed, serving as an indicator of the practical application of justice and community protection in a region where tourism is a vital economic driver.
A Story Awaiting Formal Adjudication
As the pre-report legal process continues, these serious allegations cast a complex shadow over Sekotong. They serve as a sobering prompt for discussions about accountability, exploitation, and the essential safeguards required to protect community welfare. The formal legal process will now determine the subsequent course of this case.