Motive Behind Young Woman's Choice of Presidential Palace for Suicide Attempt Remains Unknown

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The motive behind a woman with the initials JSLP (20) choosing Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta as the location for a suicide attempt remains unknown. Police stated that the victim’s psychological condition does not yet allow for in-depth questioning. Head of the Women’s and Children’s Protection and Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (PPA and PPO) of the Metro Jakarta Central Police Resort, Kompol Rita Oktavia, said that they have not been able to communicate much with JSLP. “Indeed, we haven’t asked the victim many questions yet. Because she only responds with one or two words when we ask, ‘yes’, ‘no’,” Rita said when contacted on Wednesday (25/3/2026). “We still can’t communicate well with her. So, if we try to talk, we’re afraid it might disturb her and add to her depression,” she continued. The case was previously reported to the police but ended after the families of both parties agreed to marry the victim to the perpetrator. She also confirmed that the perpetrator is a civil servant (ASN) stationed in Tolitoli, Central Sulawesi. The two are known to have known each other before the incident occurred. “It wasn’t a case of them just meeting and then the harassment happening. They already knew each other. Friends,” said Rita. Nevertheless, she emphasised that the harassment occurred when the victim was still a minor and cannot be justified. “She (JSLP) was underage and shouldn’t have been treated that way,” she stated. Police have also not been able to confirm whether the choice of location at Merdeka Palace is related to the perpetrator’s background. The incident began when members of the Presidential Security Force (Paspampres) spotted a woman acting suspiciously around 23:35 WIB near the guard post. “When approached, the woman’s bag was already on the ground, and her shoes had come off. Subsequently, the member reported to the Post Commander,” said Rita.