LPSK Asks Police to Add Sexual Exploitation Charges in PUB Eltras Case
The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has requested that the police add charges of alleged sexual exploitation to the human trafficking case at PUB Eltras in Maumere, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). In this case, the owners of the entertainment venue, a husband and wife, have been named as suspects.
“We have conveyed our attention to the NTT Police Chief, Inspector General Rudi Darmoko, regarding the importance of adding charges related to sexual offenses, specifically regarding alleged sexual exploitation, in the construction of the case being handled,” said Deputy Chairman of LPSK, Sri Suparyati, during a press conference in Kupang, NTT, Thursday (February 26, 2026).
Sri explained that the two suspects are currently charged under Article 455 of the New Criminal Code regarding recruitment, accommodation, sending, and receiving within the scope of human trafficking. However, the results of the investigation into the victims indicate the existence of sexual exploitation as regulated in Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence (TPKS), specifically Article 12.
“These elements are considered relevant to the facts revealed in this case. Therefore, our attention has been conveyed officially and has received a positive response from the NTT Police Chief,” Sri explained.
“In addition to human trafficking, we see the possibility of sexual exploitation which is regulated in the TPKS Law. Therefore, law enforcement must look at this case as a whole so that all forms of exploitation experienced by the victims can be addressed,” Sri continued.
Of the 13 victims, one was 15 years old at the time of the incident. All the victims have been returned to West Java on February 23, 2026, by the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi.
“We emphasize that the victims’ return does not stop the legal process. The examination and trial mechanisms can still be facilitated in accordance with the applicable legal procedures,” Sri concluded.
Protection Requests in NTT Increase
LPSK recorded 369 protection requests for witnesses and victims in NTT throughout 2025, up from 193 requests in 2024. Nationally, the total number of requests in 2025 reached 13,027 cases.
“The number of protection requests in NTT shows an increasing trend, from 193 requests in 2024 to 369 requests in 2025, out of a total of 13,027 protection requests nationally in 2025,” said Sri.
Of the total in 2025, the cases were dominated by child sexual abuse (137 cases) and human trafficking (104 cases). The rest consist of other criminal acts, money laundering, sexual violence, aggravated assault, domestic violence, and terrorism.
“Meanwhile, from January to February 2026, there were 10 cases of child sexual abuse, 8 cases of human trafficking, 4 cases of other criminal acts, 3 cases of sexual violence, and 1 case of corruption,” said Sri.
According to Sri, the high number indicates the need for protection and recovery for victims in NTT. The presence of the LPSK Representative Office in NTT is considered important so that protection and restitution services can be accessed more quickly and easily.
“With a representative office in the region, coordination with the police, prosecutors, courts, and local governments can be faster and more responsive. This is important so that victims can immediately receive comprehensive protection and recovery,” said Secretary General of LPSK, Sriyana.