Gus Falah Calls for Severe Punishment for Woman's Abductor in Bandung

Member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Nasyirul Falah Amru hopes law enforcement will thoroughly investigate and impose the heaviest possible sentence on Taufik Hidayat, the suspected perpetrator of abuse and false imprisonment of a woman with the initials YTR in Bandung Regency. According to him, the actions allegedly committed by the perpetrator constitute a serious crime that not only violates the law but also wounds humanitarian values. “This act is extremely heinous and cannot be tolerated,” said the man familiarly known as Gus Falah in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday. He stressed that law enforcement must investigate the case professionally and transparently, and give the perpetrator the maximum punishment. This is because the victim has suffered tremendously due to the alleged abuse and confinement that lasted for years. According to Gus Falah, the act constitutes grievous bodily harm as stipulated in Article 466 of the National Criminal Code (KUHP). Under that provision, grievous bodily harm is defined as an act of violence resulting in serious injury to the victim and can be punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment. He noted that various revealed facts show the victim experienced a deeply distressing condition. “The authorities must apply the relevant articles to the maximum extent to provide a deterrent effect and fulfil the community’s sense of justice,” said the DPR member responsible for law, human rights, and security. He added that YTR was allegedly a victim of abuse and confinement by her boyfriend, Taufik Hidayat, for approximately three years. As a result of these acts, the victim suffered serious injuries, including visual impairment rendering her unable to see normally, a cleft lip, difficulty speaking, and an inability to walk. Therefore, Gus Falah also requested that the authorities ensure the victim receives protection, psychological support, and adequate medical services for the recovery process. “The state must be present to ensure the victim’s rights are fulfilled. Besides the legal process against the perpetrator, the physical and psychological recovery of the victim must also be a primary concern,” Gus Falah asserted. The suspect Taufik Hidayat was arrested at a house belonging to a relative in Griya Pesona Housing Complex, Ciparay, Bandung Regency, on Tuesday afternoon. The West Java Regional Police placed Taufik Hidayat in a special cell during the examination process at the West Java Police Headquarters. West Java Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Setiawan said the suspect would be placed alone in a detention room equipped with CCTV cameras and under strict supervision by officers. “We will then detain him in a special cell that has been fitted with CCTV and he will be alone under our supervision,” said Rudi in Bandung on Tuesday. According to Rudi, investigators are currently conducting an initial examination of the suspect before detention to further investigate the case.