Forensic Psychologist Reveals Psychopathic Traits Amid Alleged 3-Year Captivity and Torture Case in Bandung

Jakarta – The case of alleged confinement and torture of YTR for three years in Bandung has led the public to question the personality of the suspect, identified by the initials TH or Taufik Hidayat. After details of the victim’s severe injuries emerged, a major question arose: does the perpetrator exhibit psychopathic traits? Speculation intensified after the victim’s family revealed YTR’s condition upon being found, which included severe physical damage such as eye infections, facial wounds, slash marks on the head, and burns on several parts of the body. However, to date, there has been no official psychological examination or statement from law enforcement confirming that TH is a psychopath. Amid the public discourse, an explanation by forensic psychologist Reza Indragiri regarding the characteristics of psychopathy has resurfaced and is being widely linked to the case. Reza Indragiri stated that cruel behaviour does not arise from a single factor. ‘Abnormal human behaviour, including evil behaviour, is the result of the interaction of two factors. The first is internal factors, such as genetics, predispositions, and brain conditions. The second is situational and environmental factors,’ he explained, as quoted from the Psychology YouTube channel on Monday. He elaborated that upbringing, life experiences, and social environment can shape a person’s character from childhood. Additionally, social learning theory suggests that human behaviour is heavily influenced by what individuals see, hear, and learn throughout their lives. ‘Whatever we watch, whatever we hear, whatever we read can influence our behaviour. In other words, human behaviour is essentially the result of a process of imitation,’ he said. One of the primary characteristics of a psychopath is a minimal capacity for empathy. Reza also revealed that several studies have found differences in brain function among individuals with psychopathic tendencies.