Bekasi, Indonesia – A shadow has fallen over Indonesian sport as allegations of sexual abuse and physical violence within the national rock climbing program have come to light. The accusations center around Hendra Basir, the former head coach of the national team, and have prompted a swift response from the Federasi Panjat Tebing Indonesia (FPTI), the country’s rock climbing federation. The unfolding scandal has triggered police investigations and a commitment from the FPTI to overhaul its safeguarding protocols, signaling a potential turning point for athlete safety in Indonesia.
The crisis began to unfold publicly on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, with a press conference held at the Hotel Santika Harapan Indah in Bekasi. FPTI Chairwoman Yenny Wahid detailed the timeline of events, revealing that eight athletes initially approached her on January 28th, 2026, with reports of both sexual and physical abuse. This initial report prompted a deeper investigation, involving athletes from both the national training center (Pelatnas) and regional teams, as well as coaches and sports psychologists – excluding the accused Hendra Basir. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the Indonesian sporting community, raising serious questions about the protection of athletes and the culture within national sports programs.
Timeline of Events and FPTI Response
According to Wahid’s account, the FPTI acted swiftly following the initial reports. Within a week of the athletes coming forward, a meeting was convened to gather more information and understand the extent of the alleged abuse. Shortly after, a Fact-Finding Team (TPF) was established to conduct a thorough investigation. “We immediately issued a decree to non-activate the head coach,” Wahid stated, emphasizing the FPTI’s commitment to taking the allegations seriously. As reported by Kompas.com, five athletes have already filed formal reports with the police regarding the alleged misconduct.
The FPTI’s response extends beyond internal investigations. Wahid revealed that the federation has sought guidance from Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Erick Thohir, who has reportedly expressed his full support for the FPTI’s actions. The FPTI has enlisted the assistance of legal organizations such as Peradi and LBH APIK (Association of Women for Justice) to provide legal counsel and support to the affected athletes. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the athletes have access to the resources they need to navigate the legal process and receive appropriate care.
International Collaboration and Safeguarding Standards
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the FPTI has as well engaged with the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) to discuss the allegations and ensure alignment with international safeguarding standards. Wahid emphasized that the FPTI is committed to upholding the rights and well-being of its athletes, in accordance with global best practices. “There is an international agreement on safeguarding athlete rights and obligations. Any form of violation, especially sexual abuse, is unacceptable anywhere,” she stated. According to DetikSport, this consultation with the IFSC underscores the FPTI’s dedication to creating a safe and respectful environment for all athletes.
The FPTI is now focused on implementing comprehensive reforms to prevent future incidents. These reforms include the establishment of a whistleblower system, the implementation of strict protocols to prevent one-on-one training sessions between coaches and athletes, and the development of a comprehensive code of ethics. Wahid stressed the importance of transparency and accountability within the organization, stating, “We are committed to a comprehensive transformation with a complete overhaul. We will create rules that ensure athletes are safe and protected.”
Legal Proceedings and the Accused
While the FPTI is conducting its internal investigation, the case is now also in the hands of law enforcement. Five athletes have formally reported the alleged abuse to the Indonesian National Police (Polri). Yenny Wahid has publicly stated that the FPTI supports the athletes’ decision to pursue legal action, recognizing the seriousness of the allegations. As reported by Antara News, Wahid encouraged Hendra Basir to defend himself in court if he believes he is innocent, emphasizing that the legal process is now outside the purview of the FPTI.
Basir, for his part, has reportedly maintained that his coaching methods were simply strict and demanding, and that he did not engage in any form of sexual harassment. However, Wahid has dismissed these claims, stating that the allegations against him must be addressed through the legal system. The FPTI is providing legal assistance to the athletes involved, but is not directly involved in the criminal investigation.
The Importance of Athlete Welfare
This case highlights the critical importance of athlete welfare and safeguarding in sports. The FPTI’s response demonstrates a growing awareness of the need to protect athletes from abuse and harassment. The federation’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration with law enforcement and international organizations is a positive step towards creating a safer and more respectful environment for athletes in Indonesia. The incident serves as a stark reminder that safeguarding measures must be prioritized at all levels of sport, from grassroots programs to national teams.
Wahid emphasized that the FPTI views this moment as an opportunity for positive change. “We will use this momentum as a turning point to climb even higher,” she said. The federation is committed to rebuilding trust with its athletes and stakeholders, and to creating a culture where athletes feel safe, supported, and empowered.
The FPTI is also focused on minimizing disruption to its training programs. The federation is working to quickly establish a new national team roster to ensure that athletes can continue their training without interruption, particularly as they prepare for upcoming competitions, including a key event in China in early April that serves as a qualifier for the Asian Games.
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The next key development in this case will be the progress of the police investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings. The FPTI has pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement and to provide ongoing support to the athletes involved. As the investigation unfolds, the Indonesian sporting community will be watching closely, hoping for a just resolution and a renewed commitment to athlete safety. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this vital issue in the comments below.