MP Urges Police to Arrest Perpetrator of Woman's Abduction in Makassar

Makassar (ANTARA) - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Meity Rahmatia, has urged law enforcement officials to arrest the perpetrator of sexual violence against a woman from North Kalimantan, identified as MA (21), who was held captive for three days in an upscale residential area on Jalan Metro, Tanjung Bunga, Makassar, South Sulawesi.

“I strongly condemn the perpetrator’s actions. We urge that they be arrested quickly by the police and receive the harshest possible sentence from the court,” said the member of Commission XIII of the DPR RI, in a statement received in Makassar on Saturday.

As a woman, Meity expressed deep sadness and shock upon seeing news reports about the incident in both mass media and social media. The female politician representing South Sulawesi also conveyed her sympathy to the victim.

As a member of Commission XIII, which partners with the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), Meity has given attention to this case by requesting that it be handled professionally and promptly.

“I will continue to communicate with relevant agencies (LPSK). I hope the victim remains strong and can get through this difficult time,” she said.

Online fraud, she added, is now a common crime committed in various ways. The dependence of some people on information circulating on social media platforms has made this type of crime thrive and claim many victims.

This type of crime has even developed into an organised syndicate.

“Conduct thorough verification. There is such a thing as fact-checking. If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult with relatives or people known to have experience and expertise in social media. Make it a habit to look for job opportunities through official channels of organisations, companies or government agencies,” she said.

She hopes that the government will continue to increase media literacy programs amid the increasing number of online scams while also giving greater attention to handling and preventing cases of online fraud.

Previously, the Governor of North Kalimantan, Zainal Arifin Paliwang, also gave attention to this case and met with the victim at one of the North Kalimantan Student Dormitories to provide support, including assistance from LPSK so that the process of overcoming her trauma runs well.

“Thank God I had the chance to meet her and give her encouragement so that her trauma does not drag on. I spoke to the chairman of the North Kalimantan student association to work with LPSK so that the victim receives assistance, including from the police,” he said.

In addition to LPSK assistance, the Governor of North Kalimantan also prepared a lawyer to help with the legal process. In addition, the victim’s parents were also facilitated to come to Makassar.

The victim is a recipient of a scholarship from the North Kalimantan Government to continue her studies at a private university in Makassar. Because she needed additional funds, the victim, MA, looked for a job but was instead scammed by an online job advertisement for a babysitter posted on social media by the perpetrator, identified as FR.

The victim was held captive for three days and raped, but was rescued by the owner of the rented house.