Polda Metro Jaya Names 12 Suspects in Bekasi Child Prostitution Case, Here Are Their Roles

Polda Metro Jaya has uncovered a network of cafes in Cibitung, Bekasi Regency, West Java, that employed children as commercial sex workers. Twelve people have been named as suspects in the human trafficking case. ‘We have named 12 suspects,’ said Polda Metro Jaya’s Director of Women and Children Protection and Human Trafficking Eradication, Senior Commissioner Rita Wulandari Wibowo, during a press conference on Wednesday (8/7/2026). She stated that the suspects held various jobs at the four cafes raided by police, but also engaged in trafficking the children into prostitution alongside their regular duties. ‘They had double roles. For example, they worked as cashiers but also acted as marketers. If they managed to sell, they received a bonus,’ she explained. Rita noted that the children worked at the cafes due to economic necessity, but many were unaware they would be forced into prostitution. ‘Some were deliberately brought there, while others came because they knew it was an entertainment area. Some only knew they would be companions, not that they would have to engage in sexual intercourse. But others were aware of the consequences,’ she clarified. Police secured 37 individuals from the location, eight of whom are minors. The suspects are charged under Article 76I in conjunction with Article 88 of the Child Protection Law, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to IDR 200 million. They are also charged under Article 12 in conjunction with Article 15, letters f and g, of Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, as well as Articles 419, 420, 421, 422, and 455 of the Criminal Code. The case initially stemmed from a viral report about a foreign national allegedly involved in child prostitution. The Women and Children Protection and Human Trafficking Eradication Directorate investigated the information through its Sub-directorate 2, which handles violence against children and cyber issues, and Sub-directorate 3, which handles human trafficking. ‘There was a foreign national who also posted about indications of child trafficking. We then conducted profiling,’ said Rita. However, police found no evidence of foreign nationals involved in child prostitution in Jakarta. Further investigation led them to a location in Cibitung known as the ‘Tenda Biru’ localised prostitution area.