Behind the Suicide Attempt in Front of the Palace, a Woman Struggles with Trauma and Violence

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – A woman with the initials JSLP (20) was secured by police after allegedly attempting to commit suicide in front of the gates of Merdeka Palace, Jalan Medan Merdeka Utara, Central Jakarta, on Sunday night (22/3/2026). The incident began when members of the Presidential Security Force (Paspampres) on duty at Post 02 observed suspicious movements from a woman around 23:35 WIB. The officers then approached the woman. When approached, her shoes were already off. Subsequently, the members reported to the Post Commander. The report was then forwarded to Brimob members who were also guarding the palace area. “However, the individual kept moving away every time she was approached. Finally, at 00:56 WIB, the woman was successfully secured,” said the Head of the Women’s and Children’s Protection and Anti-Human Trafficking Criminal Investigation Unit (PPA and PPO) of the Metro Jakarta Central Police Resort, Kompol Rita Oktavia, when confirmed on Tuesday (24/3/2026). At 01:16 WIB on Monday (23/3/2026), JSLP was taken to the Metro Jakarta Central Police Resort for further examination. However, when about to be taken by officers, she resisted. From the initial examination, JSLP suffers from depression. When JSLP was secured, officers found a 2-metre rope that was allegedly intended for her to end her life. “The attempt was to hang herself because there was indeed a rope that we secured. A white rope measuring 2 metres,” she continued. During the initial examination, JSLP tended to be withdrawn and only gave brief answers to every question from the officers. From inside the victim’s bag, the police found a mental health control book from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM). Based on these findings, the officers then coordinated with the doctor who had previously treated JSLP.