Indonesia's military faces renewed questions about institutional accountability after an army sergeant accused of sexually abusing a child fled custody during investigation, exposing critical gaps in the armed forces' internal justice system.
Sergeant Majib Bone, a prominent community figure serving as a village liaison officer in Kendari, Sulawesi Tenggara, disappeared while under interrogation at the Kodim 1417 military district command. He is accused of sexually assaulting an elementary school student in Ranomeeto subdistrict, Konawe Selatan regency, in mid-April 2026.
The victim, a young girl given the pseudonym Bunga, has suffered severe psychological trauma, according to her family. "The child is experiencing severe depression and self-harm" following the alleged abuse, her aunt told local media outlet Kendariinfo.
The case has drawn particular attention because of Sergeant Bone's multiple roles beyond his military duties. He served as chairman of the Kushin Ryu M Karate-Do Indonesia association in Kendari, a position to which he was appointed in February 2025. He also operated as a property developer with residential projects across Sulawesi Tenggara province, including developments in Kolaka, Konawe Selatan, Muna, and Buton.
As a Babinsa—a village liaison officer who represents the military's frontline presence in Indonesian communities—Sergeant Bone was responsible for maintaining security, supporting local development, and building trust between the armed forces and civilians in Poasia subdistrict. The alleged abuse represents a profound betrayal of that position.
Lieutenant Colonel Haryadi Budaya Pela, commander of the Denpom XIV/3 military police unit in Kendari, confirmed that the suspect escaped before formal transfer to military police custody. he told reporters on April 29.
