Polda Metro Jaya Dismantles Child Exploitation Networks in Bekasi and West Jakarta
The Directorate of Women and Children Protection and Trafficking in Persons (PPA-PPO) of Polda Metro Jaya has dismantled a child trafficking and exploitation network in two separate locations, Cibitung in Bekasi Regency and Lokasari in West Jakarta. The operation rescued nine minors who were being used as commercial sex workers (CSWs).
Polda Metro Jaya PPA-PPO Director Senior Commissioner Rita Wulandari Wibowo revealed that the investigation began with cyber patrols and public reports via digital platforms. ‘In May, we received various information from members of the public who tagged our account regarding child exploitation content,’ Rita stated in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/7).
At the first location, the ‘Tenda Biru’ red-light district in Cibitung, police secured eight child victims from four different cafés. The victims were forced to serve guests by singing karaoke and engaging in sexual intercourse, with rates ranging from IDR 200,000 to IDR 250,000. From this amount, the victims only received tips of around IDR 100,000.
Based on the investigation, the network in Cibitung had been operating for three years, generating profits of up to IDR 1.7 billion. ‘The suspects were fully aware that the victims were minors. They provided facilities to reap profits in a structured manner,’ Rita emphasised.
Meanwhile, at the second location in the Lokasari area, West Jakarta, police secured one minor and arrested a 40-year-old woman with the initials RS. The suspect, commonly referred to as ‘Mami’, acted as a coordinator who recruited the victim for sexual exploitation.
The victims’ health is reported to have suffered, requiring intensive medical treatment. Police are currently coordinating with the Integrated Service Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA) and the Social Services of DKI Jakarta and West Java to place the victims in a safe house for psychological rehabilitation and the fulfilment of restitution rights.
During the raids, officers seized evidence including 20 mobile phones, guest logbooks, cash, contraceptives, and medication. A total of 37 people arrested at the locations also underwent urine tests, all of which returned negative for drugs.
The perpetrators are now charged under multiple articles, including Article 76I in conjunction with Article 88 of the Child Protection Law, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and Article 12 in conjunction with Article 15 of Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (TPKS), which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.