Ngawi, Indonesia – Viona Amalia Adinda Putri, a rising star in the world of kickboxing and mixed martial arts, has bravely come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against her former coach, a deeply unsettling story that is reverberating through the Indonesian sports community. The 25-year-aged athlete’s courage in speaking out is prompting a wider conversation about athlete safety and power dynamics within sports organizations.
Born on June 25, 2001, Viona hails from Ngawi, East Java, and has quickly established herself as a formidable competitor. Her dedication and talent have earned her accolades both nationally and internationally, but her recent revelation underscores the hidden struggles many athletes face beyond the arena.
A Promising Career Interrupted
Viona’s athletic journey has been marked by consistent success. In 2023, she achieved a significant milestone by winning a gold medal at the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) World Mixed Martial Arts Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, in the 47.6 kg Female Striking MMA category, defeating Gao Huan Jun of China by unanimous decision. This victory cemented her position as a rising force in the international MMA scene.
Her achievements extend to domestic competitions as well. At the 2024 National Games (PON) XXI in Aceh-Sumatera Utara, Viona secured a gold medal in the Full Contact -48 kg Putri category, a historic win for kickboxing in East Java – the first time an athlete from the province had claimed gold in that category at the PON. These accomplishments demonstrate not only her skill but too her unwavering commitment to her sport.
Allegations of Abuse and a Tricky Decision to Speak Out
Despite her athletic triumphs, Viona has been grappling with a deeply personal and painful experience. She alleges that she was subjected to sexual harassment by her coach, identified only as WPC, who also served as the Chairman of the East Java Provincial Kickboxing Indonesia organization. Viona detailed her experiences in a recent Instagram post, explaining the fear and intimidation that initially prevented her from coming forward.
“I have been holding onto this for a long time… I was afraid to speak out because he is the Chairman, and I am just an athlete who should be focused on winning,” Viona wrote. “But remaining silent for too long made this wound heavier. Now, I choose to speak up. Not just for myself, but for everyone who has been a victim.”
Viona first reported the incidents to the national kickboxing team manager in 2024, but a formal police report wasn’t filed until January 2025, with the East Java Regional Police taking on the investigation. In February 2026, WPC was officially named a suspect in the case.
Details of the Alleged Abuse
According to reports, the alleged abuse occurred at multiple locations, including Ngawi, Jombang in East Java, and Bali. The alleged perpetrator reportedly exploited his position of power to engage in inappropriate behavior, including unwanted physical contact – hugging, kissing on the forehead – and sexually suggestive conversations. The abuse allegedly took the form of leveraging his authority to create situations where Viona felt pressured and uncomfortable, such as asking her to bring items to his room.
Viona initially hesitated to resist these requests due to the power imbalance, fearing repercussions for her career. Although, as the harassment continued, she began to distance herself from her coach.
A Lack of Support and the Fight for Justice
Perhaps as troubling as the alleged abuse itself is the reported lack of support Viona received from the national kickboxing federation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. According to reports, the Indonesian Kickboxing Central Management (PP KBI) deemed the case a personal matter and deferred to Viona to pursue legal action independently. This lack of institutional support left Viona to navigate a complex and emotionally draining legal battle largely on her own.
Viona’s decision to speak publicly has sparked a national conversation about the prevalence of sexual abuse in sports and the need for greater protection for athletes. Her courage is inspiring others to come forward and demand accountability.
What’s Next for Viona and the Case?
The investigation into the allegations against WPC is ongoing. Viona’s case has highlighted the urgent need for robust safeguarding measures within Indonesian sports organizations, including clear reporting procedures, independent investigations, and support services for victims.
Beyond the legal proceedings, Viona has expressed a desire to become a coach herself, hoping to nurture the next generation of kickboxing athletes and create a safer, more supportive environment for them. “In the future, I plan to become a coach and hope to create new athletes who can surpass my achievements,” she stated, demonstrating her continued passion for the sport despite the trauma she has endured.
Viona Amalia Adinda Putri’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges athletes face and the importance of creating a culture of respect and accountability within sports. Her bravery in speaking out is not only a fight for her own justice but also a crucial step towards protecting future generations of athletes.
