Police Name Three Suspects in Alleged Child Exploitation Case in Central Jakarta
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Metro Jaya Police have named three suspects in a case of alleged child exploitation and deprivation of liberty, as well as Human Trafficking Crimes (TPPO), which occurred in the Bendungan Hilir area, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta (Jakpus), on 22 April 2026.
The Head of Public Relations of Metro Jaya Police, Senior Commissioner Pol Budi Hermanto, stated that after a series of in-depth investigations, the police have designated three individuals as suspects.
“The three, with initials AV, T alias U, and WA alias Y, have now been detained at the Central Jakarta Metro Police Resort headquarters,” Budi said in his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He explained that investigators acted professionally and swiftly, with suspects T and WA detained since 29 April 2026, while suspect AV followed on Tuesday (5/5).
“The detention is for the purpose of further investigation,” Budi said.
Based on the investigation results, suspect AV is alleged to have employed victim D from November 2025 to April 2026. Meanwhile, suspects T and WA were involved in the recruitment process of the victim as a Domestic Worker (PRT).
Budi also revealed that to strengthen the legal construction, investigators have secured various important pieces of evidence, ranging from victim documents, electronic devices, DVR CCTV recordings (surveillance cameras), to visum et repertum results and autopsy.
“We ensure that the handling of this case is carried out transparently and thoroughly. The suspects are charged under Article 446 of the Criminal Code, Article 455 of the Criminal Code, and Article 76I in conjunction with Article 88 of the Child Protection Law,” Budi stated.
Metro Jaya Police also urged the public to be more vigilant and selective in recruiting labour, especially ensuring no involvement of minors, which constitutes a legal violation.
Budi also asked residents to immediately report to the nearest police station or via the 110 Call Center if they find practices leading to human exploitation or TPPO in their surroundings to maintain a conducive security and public order situation (kamtibmas).
Previously, the Central Jakarta Metro Police Resort investigated the case of a domestic worker’s (PRT) death after jumping from the fourth floor of a boarding house in the Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) area.
“Preliminary information suggests the person was unhappy. Then escaped by jumping,” said the Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of Central Jakarta Metro Police Resort, AKBP Roby Heri Saputra, to reporters in Jakarta on 23 April 2026.