CRIMINOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF EFFORTS TO COUNTER SEXTORTION THROUGH ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Abstract

This study aims to analyze sextortion, a form of sexual extortion conducted through electronic media, from a criminological perspective by identifying the motives and behavioral patterns of offenders, the characteristics of victims, and evaluating the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in addressing this type of cybercrime in Indonesia. The research employs a descriptive juridical-normative method, utilizing historical data, previous studies, and literature reviews from relevant academic journals and scientific publications. The analysis focuses on the applicable legal regulations, legal doctrines, and various sextortion cases that occurred in Indonesia between 2021 and 2024. The findings indicate that sextortion is not merely a criminal act of extortion but also involves psychological manipulation, sexual exploitation, and digital victimization, while revealing a significant gap between the rapid development of cybercrime methods and the capacity of law enforcement authorities, particularly in handling digital evidence and cross-border jurisdiction. This study is limited by its qualitative scope and focus on the Indonesian legal system, which may not fully represent sextortion dynamics at the global level. Nevertheless, it contributes to the development of studies in criminology, cyber law, and victimology by presenting an interdisciplinary analysis that enriches academic understanding and offers practical recommendations for policymakers and law enforcement agencies in formulating more effective legal and preventive measures. The novelty of this study lies in the integration of criminological and descriptive juridical-normative approaches in conceptualizing sextortion as a multidimensional cybercrime phenomenon in Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of reforming cybercriminal law to align with technological advancements and contemporary social challenges.