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Shop Owner Accused of Abusing 32 Elementary Students in Makassar
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Shop Owner Accused of Abusing 32 Elementary Students in Makassar

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • A 60-year-old shop owner in Makassar, Indonesia, is accused of sexually abusing 32 elementary school students.
  • The alleged abuse occurred between June and July 2026 as students purchased snacks from his shop.
  • The case is under investigation by Makassar police after initial reports were withdrawn and later refiled.

Police in Makassar, South Sulawesi, are investigating a 60-year-old man accused of sexually abusing 32 elementary school students. The suspect, identified only by his initials MD, allegedly owns a small shop located in front of one of the schools.

The perpetrator reported is the owner of the shop in front of the school. He is around 60 years old.

— Fony AtaulIdentifying the suspect and his location.

The allegations surfaced after parents reported incidents that reportedly occurred in the Manggala sub-district in June 2026. Initially, only three victims were identified. However, during a meeting involving the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Women and Child Protection (UPTD PPA), parents, and teachers, the number of alleged victims grew significantly to 32.

At the initial meeting, there were only three students allegedly victimized. After data collection and assistance, the number grew to 32 students.

— Fony AtaulExplaining the increase in the number of alleged victims.

According to Fony Ataul, secretary of the Makassar City PPPA Dinas Shelter, the alleged abuse took place while the students were buying snacks from the suspect's shop. The incidents are said to have occurred during school breaks, before students went home, or before classes began. "Children usually come to buy snacks at that shop when they arrive at school, during playtime, or when they go home from school. That's when they allegedly experienced harassment," Ataul explained.

Children usually come to buy snacks at that shop when they arrive at school, during playtime, or when they go home from school. That's when they allegedly experienced harassment.

— Fony AtaulDescribing the circumstances under which the alleged abuse occurred.

Authorities are investigating various methods of abuse, including physical touching and groping. One victim reportedly required medical examination due to a torn genital injury. The case has seen procedural complexities, with an initial police report filed in June 2026 being withdrawn before new reports were filed by other victims on July 17. The suspect has been detained and is undergoing further investigation.

There are various methods. Some were touched and groped. One victim even underwent an examination because of a torn genital injury.

— Fony AtaulDetailing the nature of the alleged abuse.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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