Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir has pledged to impose lifetime bans on anyone found guilty of sexual violence within the country’s sporting community, following allegations made by national kickboxing athlete Viona Amalia Adinda Putri. The Minister’s strong stance comes after a meeting with Viona on Friday, March 13, 2026, where she detailed her concerns regarding alleged abuse within the sport.
Viona, an athlete representing East Java, bravely came forward with the allegations, prompting immediate action from the Ministry. Thohir publicly commended Viona’s courage, describing the issue as a “serious problem” that demands eradication from Indonesian sports. The case highlights a growing global conversation about athlete safety and the need for robust safeguarding measures within sporting organizations.
Minister Thohir’s Firm Response
“I received sister Viona, our kickboxing athlete who is very brave to reveal the issues and problems that we must fight and we must clean up thoroughly,” Thohir stated, according to a press release from the Ministry. He emphasized the government’s commitment to working alongside all stakeholders in sports to prevent future incidents. The Minister’s words signal a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual violence, a message intended to resonate throughout the Indonesian sporting landscape.
Thohir didn’t mince words when discussing potential consequences for perpetrators. “The culprit, I apologize if I use harsh words, the term is ‘jahanam’ [damned], and it must not be active in the world of sports for life,” he declared. This uncompromising position underscores the severity with which the Ministry views these allegations and its determination to protect athletes.
Support for Legal Proceedings
The Ministry of Youth and Sports is fully supporting the ongoing police investigation into the allegations. Thohir affirmed that if the case falls under the jurisdiction of law enforcement, the Ministry will provide complete support. This collaborative approach between the Ministry and the police demonstrates a unified front in addressing the issue and ensuring accountability.
The firm stance taken by the Minister is expected to be a pivotal step towards fostering a safer and more secure environment for athletes in Indonesia. Creating a culture of transparency and accountability is crucial for protecting athletes from all forms of violence and abuse. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities athletes face and the importance of robust safeguarding protocols.
Broader Implications for Indonesian Sport
This incident comes at a time of increased scrutiny of athlete welfare globally. The focus on athlete safety has intensified in recent years, with organizations worldwide implementing stricter policies and procedures to prevent abuse. Indonesia’s response, led by Minister Thohir, aligns with this global trend and demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its athletes.
The Indonesian Kickboxing Federation (FPTI) is also taking steps to address athlete protection, with a renewed focus on preventing sexual harassment. Details of these measures are still emerging, but the commitment to safeguarding athletes is clear. The FPTI’s actions will be closely watched as a potential model for other sporting federations in Indonesia.
The case also raises broader questions about the reporting mechanisms available to athletes who experience abuse. Ensuring that athletes feel safe and empowered to come forward with their concerns is paramount. The Ministry’s support for Viona and its commitment to a thorough investigation are positive steps in this direction.
What’s Next
The police investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has indicated that it will continue to perform with all stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive safeguarding measures. The outcome of the investigation and the subsequent actions taken will undoubtedly shape the future of athlete safety in Indonesia. The next update from the Ministry is anticipated within the next month, outlining specific steps being taken to prevent future incidents.
This represents a developing story, and Archysport will continue to provide updates as they grow available. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this important issue in the comments below.
