Trial of alleged sexual perpetrator without arms prompts focus on disability in Indonesia

An Indonesian man is on trial for allegedly sexually assaulting multiple victims, a case that has sparked widespread attention and discussion due to his disability. The man, identified as I Wayan Agus Suartama, currently faces two charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a university student, but he may face further prosecution as up to 17 women and girls, including two minors, have come forward with allegations.

The initial trial revolves around allegations that he coerced victims into sexual acts or contact, with other alleged victims also making similar accusations to the police. If convicted on these initial two charges, he could face up to 16 years in prison. The case is being heard by a panel of three judges.

Mr. Suartama, who was born without arms, has highlighted his disability in media interviews and denied allegations that he forced anyone to have sex with him, stating it was "impossible." His trial in Mataram, Lombok, began dramatically with his mother collapsing outside the court and being carried away in front of waiting media. Mr. Suartama, accompanied by his lawyer, also told the court that the prison where he is being held does not provide adequate facilities for prisoners without arms and requested house arrest.

As is customary in Indonesian cases involving sexual offenses, details of the indictment outlining his alleged crimes remain confidential. The hearings are being held behind closed doors, with the public only able to learn through media reports about how he allegedly persuaded victims to engage in sexual acts against their will. This unusual case came to national media attention in Indonesia late last year when the 22-year-old gave a television interview, appealing for public sympathy after police named him as a suspect.

He demonstrated his ability to play traditional Balinese music with his feet and spoke about his dependence on his mother for the most basic tasks. Mr. Suartama told the interviewer that he was the victim of unfair accusations and bullying. Evidence about his alleged methods began to leak to Indonesian media, including a recording in which he allegedly told a woman he had magical powers to find out other people's problems. According to police prosecutors, he then allegedly invited the woman for a "holy" bath before molesting her.

A spokesperson for the Lombok Police's child and women's protection unit said in December that "his actions fit the criteria of using psychological pressure, creating fear and an inability to refuse his will to make someone submit to his will." Much of the public commentary around the case has focused on whether someone with such a severe disability could commit sexual assault. But authorities insist that it is irrelevant to the case. Joko Jumadi, a commissioner for disability affairs in West Nusa Tenggara province, told local media that "in the eyes of the law, people with disabilities have the same status." The trial is ongoing.