Maid Jumps from Boarding House in Central Jakarta, Victim of Human Trafficking, Employer Becomes Suspect

Metro Jaya Police have arrested three suspects in a case of alleged child exploitation and deprivation of liberty, as well as human trafficking offences (TPPO), in the Bendungan Hilir area of Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. The three are identified by the initials T, WA, and AV. The case is linked to the death of one of two domestic assistants (ART) who jumped from the fourth floor of a boarding house in Benhil while fleeing her employer’s premises. Meanwhile, suspects T and WA were involved in the recruitment process of the victim as a domestic assistant. “They have now been detained at the Central Jakarta Metro Police Resort headquarters,” said Budi in a written statement on Wednesday (6/5/2026). Suspects T and WA have been in custody since 29 April 2026, while AV followed and was detained today. “The detention is for the purposes of further investigation,” Budi stated. To strengthen the legal construction, investigators have seized various important pieces of evidence, ranging from the victim’s documents, electronic devices, DVR CCTV recordings (surveillance cameras), to visum et repertum results and autopsies. Police are also coordinating with the Integrated Service Centre for Women’s and Children’s Empowerment (P3A) and the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) to provide maximum support and protection for the victim witnesses. Metro Jaya Police also urge the public to be more vigilant and selective in recruiting workers, especially ensuring no involvement of minors, which constitutes a legal violation. Budi also asked residents to immediately report to the nearest police station or via the 110 Call Centre if they encounter practices leading to human exploitation or TPPO in their surroundings to maintain a conducive public security and order situation (kamtibmas). Previously, the Central Jakarta Metro Police Resort investigated the case of a domestic worker’s (PRT) death after jumping from the fourth floor of a boarding house in the Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) area. “Preliminary information suggests the person was unhappy. Then she escaped by jumping,” said the Head of Criminal Investigation at Central Jakarta Metro Police Resort, AKBP Roby Heri Saputra, to journalists in Jakarta on 23 April 2026.