Situbondo teacher arrested for alleged abuse of 13-year-old student

Police in Situbondo, East Java, have arrested a 53-year-old physical education teacher, identified by the initials KS, for the alleged sexual abuse of a 13-year-old female student at a state junior high school.

The Situbondo Police Criminal Investigation Unit (PPA) detained the suspect after securing two pieces of evidence. Investigators noted a highly illogical claim from the suspect, who reportedly told police he committed the acts because he felt “pity” for the victim, who is an orphan. The alleged incidents occurred in September 2026 across several locations in Situbondo and Bondowoso. The suspect reportedly used WhatsApp to establish intensive communication with the victim before picking her up in a car.

The Situbondo Education and Culture Office (Disdikbud) has formed a team to clarify the matter and is currently awaiting official detention documentation from the police to proceed with disciplinary sanctions against the teacher, who holds civil servant (ASN) status.