Atalia Praratya Questions Public Apathy: How Could a Confinement in a Densely Populated Area Last Three Years?

The case of the confinement and abuse of a woman with the initials YTR (29) has drawn public attention. The victim was held captive by her boyfriend, identified as TH, for three years until she was found in critical condition in a rented room in the Cileunyi area of Bandung Regency, West Java. YTR, a resident of Rancaekek, Bandung Regency, suffered serious injuries across her entire body. She is believed to have endured beatings, slashing, and torture by the perpetrator. As a result, the victim sustained a severe head infection, lost her eyesight, and suffered burns and deep stab wounds all over her body. The perpetrator, her boyfriend TH, has fled and is currently being pursued by the police. The case has drawn widespread attention, including from Atalia Praratya, a member of the House of Representatives Commission VIII from the Golkar Party faction. Atalia expressed deep sorrow and anger over the case, having visited the victim in hospital. She witnessed the victim’s body, which had been devastated by the abuse. However, the mother of two questioned the public’s concern, wondering how a confinement lasting three years could occur in a densely populated residential area. “How could such a cruel confinement last for three years in the middle of a densely populated settlement? In a boarding house, no less,” stated the Commission VIII member. She deeply regretted the lack of social awareness in the surrounding environment, especially since signs of something amiss were so apparent. “I deeply regret the social insensitivity in that environment. Neighbours in the boarding house often heard loud banging from inside the room. The boarding house keeper also saw the victim being carried in a weak condition since March 2023, and the door was always locked from the outside,” Atalia explained. “Were these glaring signs of something wrong simply ignored? Our indifference is a comfortable space for criminals. Has the function of social policing died?” she continued. Atalia sharply admonished the public not to remain indifferent when someone is experiencing abuse.