Police Arrest Three Suspects for Alleged Child Exploitation During August 27 Unrest

The Jakarta Metropolitan Regional Police (Polda Metro Jaya) have arrested three suspects for the alleged exploitation of children involved in the unrest at Pejompongan Raya, Central Jakarta, on 27 August.

The Director of Women and Children Protection (PPA) and Protection of Victims (PPO) of Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Rita Wulandari Wibowo, revealed that the three suspects, identified by the initials B, N, and P, allegedly lured dozens of children with payments of approximately Rp55,000.

“There are three individuals, namely B, N, and P. They were identified based on evidence that we have analysed. There are several children involved, and there are indications of economic exploitation,” said Rita during a press conference at Polda Metro Juaya on Saturday (12/9).

Rita explained that the modus operandi of the three perpetrators involved provoking children and enticing them with varying amounts of money.

“They influenced and provoked children to be involved in protest activities with the lure of a certain amount of money. One perpetrator, known as B or F, has successfully recruited 53 children,” she said.

Furthermore, the suspect with the initial N is said to have recruited 22 children, each promised a payment of Rp50,000.

The final suspect, identified by the initial P, reportedly managed to gather 8 children, who were promised Rp40,000 each.

Rita also stated that the three perpetrators derived economic profit from their actions. Based on initial police investigations, suspect B gained a profit of Rp2,350,000, N gained Rp842,500, and P gained Rp250,000.

“However, this is only based on the visible evidence. There are several matters we need to investigate further, as there may be other transactions that require further proof,” Rita added.