LEADERSHIP
A former staff member of the Embassy of Indonesia in Abuja, Nigeria, has petitioned authorities and the Embassy of Indonesia over serious allegations of sexual harassment and unlawful retaliation against Ambassador Dr Usra Hendra Harahap, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria.
The petition filed by the solicitors to the victim, BOWYARD PARTNERS, with the title: “Urgent Request For Intervention In The Case Of Sexual Harassment, Intimidation And Unlawful Termination,” was received by the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador, Embassy of Indonesia, head of the chancery, Embassy of Indonesia and the inspector general of police (IGP) in June 2024.
In the petition, copies of which were made available to LEADERSHIP, the victim, whose identity is being withheld for privacy and safety reasons, alleged that on February 7, 2024, during her official duties at the embassy, Ambassador Harahap engaged in unwelcome and inappropriate physical conduct while she was assisting him in locating a Nigerian state on a map in his office.
The alleged encounter reportedly caused her significant psychological trauma, prompting her to return to Jakarta, Indonesia, to seek professional counselling and support.
Psychological evaluations conducted by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs psychologist reportedly diagnosed the victim with severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
According to documents provided by her legal team, counselling results reflect long-term psychological harm stemming from the alleged incident. The individual claimed she was subjected to workplace victimisation and retaliation, which she believed were attempts to discredit and force her out of her role.
Alleged retaliatory actions included excessive scrutiny, negative performance reviews, and, ultimately, the termination of her employment under what she described as unjustified circumstances.
Efforts to resolve the matter through correspondence with the Embassy, including letters directed to Ambassador Harahap and other Embassy officials have reportedly yielded no response.
The victim’s legal representatives have formally appealed to the Indonesian minister for foreign affairs, urging an independent investigation, the reversal of her termination, and adequate compensation for the harm she claims to have suffered.
The allegations have raised broader questions about workplace harassment and diplomatic accountability. The victim’s legal representatives have also requested that the Indonesian government waive Ambassador Harahap’s diplomatic immunity to allow for a potential legal challenge in Nigeria.
When reached for comment, representatives of the Embassy of Indonesia in Abuja and the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not yet issued a statement addressing the allegations.
Diplomatic immunity is a cornerstone of international relations, ensuring that diplomats can perform their functions without fear of legal interference.
However, immunity does not absolve diplomats of accountability, particularly in cases involving serious allegations of misconduct.
This case underscores the ongoing global…
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