Man in Tangerang Held Captive for 17 Hours Over Debt, Hands and Feet Bound

A man named Iwan Kurniawan was the victim of a 17-hour captivity on Cemara Street, Cibodasari, Cibodas District, Tangerang City. The victim was allegedly held hostage due to a debt dispute. When discovered and freed by the police, Iwan was in a weakened condition, with his hands, feet, and head bound with plastic rope.

The case is being handled by the Jatiuwung Police Sector, Tangerang City. The Chief of Jatiuwung Police, Commissioner Robiin, stated that the incident began while Iwan and his wife were packing to move house in the Kelapa Dua area, South Tangerang. At that time, the victim was allegedly forcibly taken by two men on a motorcycle.

The family only became aware that the victim was being held hostage after receiving text messages containing photos and videos showing the victim in a bound state. “We found the fact that the victim was indeed experiencing captivity. The victim’s hands, feet, and head were tied with plastic rope. The victim was forced to lie face down and was threatened with a knife if his debt was not settled immediately,” said Robiin on Saturday (6/6).

Armed with this evidence, the Criminal Investigation Team of the Jatiuwung Police Sector conducted a raid on a house on Cemara Street, Cibodasari, on Monday (1/6). The police freed the victim and detained two suspects for further investigation. The two suspects, identified by the initials F and W, are a father and son.

From the investigation, it was revealed that the victim experienced intimidation throughout the captivity. The two suspects allegedly threatened the victim with a sharp weapon to force the immediate repayment of a debt amounting to Rp30 million. The case is currently under investigation, and the two suspects face charges under Article 466 of the Criminal Code regarding the deprivation of liberty, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.