The recent revelation of a child sexual predator case in Jepara has sparked deep concern. At just 21 years old, the perpetrator, still relatively young, had already committed sexual abuse against at least 31 children aged between 12 and 17.
His predatory acts began on social media and escalated into both digital and physical forms of sexual violence, often accompanied by threats.
According to data from the Online Information System for the Protection of Women and Children (Simfoni PPA), there were 11,266 reported cases of violence against women and 16,106 cases of violence against children in Indonesia in 2022.
Earlier, the 2021 National Survey on the Life Experiences of Children and Adolescents (SNPHAR), conducted by the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, revealed that four in ten girls and three in ten boys aged 13–17 had experienced some form of violence in their lifetime.
From the perspective of clinical psychology, Indria Laksmi Gamayanti stated that cases of child sexual predation highlight the multiple vulnerabilities faced by adolescents psychologically, socially, and biologically.
As a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), she explained that during the preteen and teenage years, children are in the process of identity formation and have a strong need for recognition and attention.
“When these needs are not met by their immediate environment, they become more susceptible to flattery and persuasion from the opposite sex,” she said on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Gamayanti added that children’s lack of awareness about the risks of the digital world creates significant opportunities for perpetrators to manipulate their victims.
Children often do not yet understand the boundaries of privacy, potential threats, or the appropriate responses when confronted with sexual content or suspicious advances.
Therefore, parents and educators are encouraged to recognize early warning signs that a child may be experiencing sexual violence, even if those signs are not always immediately visible.
She identified several indicators to watch for, including sudden changes in behavior, declining academic performance, nightmares or night terrors, excessive fear of physical contact, and social withdrawal.
“Parental response is crucial. If parents respond by blaming the child, the child will become even more withdrawn and feel unsafe. In fact, what they need is emotional support to recover and guidance to prevent future psychological issues,” explained Gamayanti.
The long-term effects of sexual violence in childhood can vary, from anxiety disorders and depression to difficulties in forming healthy social relationships.
In some cases, unresolved trauma may even affect the victim’s sexual development or lead to deviant behavior patterns in adulthood.
Furthermore, Gamayanti stressed the importance of providing early, age-appropriate, and positive sexual education, including understanding body parts, boundaries in physical interactions, and awareness of digital media.
Open communication between children and parents is also essential in prevention efforts.
“We cannot just educate the children; parents must be educated too. So when children face risky situations, they know how to respond and whom they can trust,” she concluded.
Author: Bolivia Rahmawati
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Illustration: Freepik