Facts Behind the Arrest of Batik Thieves Who Stole Rp 1.3 Billion Worth of Hand-Drawn Batik
A batik theft case at the Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC) in Senayan, Jakarta, has attracted considerable attention, as the crime occurred during an exhibition and the losses amounted to billions of rupiah.
The case was swiftly resolved by police, with three suspects apprehended.
“It is confirmed that three suspects were arrested on 12 February 2026, with losses of approximately Rp 1.3 billion,” said Tanah Abang Metro Police Chief AKBP Dhimas Prasetyo when contacted on Sunday (15/2/2026).
The three perpetrators stole high-quality hand-drawn batik cloth and garments from a stall at the JCC Senayan exhibition. The theft took place on 3 February. The suspects targeted a single stall at the exhibition.
“It was only from one stall, and it was indeed carried out on the night of 3 February 2026,” he said.
- Struck at Night
Dhimas said the perpetrators acted at night before the exhibition opened. He confirmed the stolen batik cloth was still in the suspects’ possession and had not yet been sold.
“The suspects had not yet managed to sell any of it,” he said.
The perpetrators have been named as suspects and charged under Article 477 of the Criminal Code for aggravated theft. He suspected the theft was carried out with careful planning.
“This is not the first time the suspects have done this, so they likely already knew the conditions that would allow them to carry out their actions,” he said.
- Arrest of the Three Suspects
The three suspects were identified as Ledy Dwanty Naema Koen, Krisantus Nomleni, and Gelbeth Juliana Yunus. The victim reported the theft on Wednesday (4/2), the day after the incident.
Head of the Tanah Abang Police Criminal Investigation Unit, AKP Ikhsan Rangga, said his team immediately moved to the location and reviewed CCTV footage following the report. AKP Ikhsan led the arrest of the three suspects on Thursday (12/2) at separate locations.
Police initially visited Ledy’s home in Bekasi City and successfully recovered the stolen batik. Ledy was apprehended based on information from her husband.
“The suspect Ledy Dwanty Naema Koen was not at the location, and subsequently her husband informed us of her whereabouts, enabling us to apprehend her,” he said.
Ledy then revealed the locations of the two other suspects, Krisantus and Gelbeth, who were staying not far from her residence. All three suspects were taken to Tanah Abang Police Station.
- Evidence Seized
In addition to arresting the suspects, police also confiscated stolen batik garments and batik fabric as evidence. The total value of goods stolen by the three suspects was approximately Rp 1.3 billion.
“The evidence comprises two containers filled with batik garments and batik cloth,” said Ikhsan.
Police also seized two large sacks, one suitcase containing batik garments, five plastic bags containing batik garments and fabric, three mobile phones belonging to the suspects, and one Toyota Calya vehicle used by the perpetrators during the crime.
- Twice Stolen from JCC
Police said the suspects had carried out theft on two occasions. Previously, the perpetrators had also stolen from the JCC.
“Twice, including this latest incident, both at JCC. The first time involved fabric material with losses of approximately Rp 100 million,” said Tanah Abang Police Chief AKBP Dhimas Prasetyo.
- Motive of the Three Batik Thieves
Dhimas said the three suspects were friends from the same region. He revealed that economic motives were the reason behind their actions.
“Economic motive. Yes, they are friends from the same area,” he said.