Police Open Possibility of Naming New Suspects in Taufik Hidayat Case

West Java Regional Police are investigating parties who assisted the flight of Taufik Hidayat, the suspect in the confinement and torture over three years of a woman with the initials YTR. There is potential for new suspects to be named in this case.

Head of Public Relations for West Java Police, Commissioner Hendra Rochmawan, stated that investigators have conducted two pre-reconstruction agendas in the investigation of the Taufik Hidayat case. The process is continuing to corroborate various statements.

‘We will continue to carry out this pre-reconstruction because there are quite a lot of crime scenes, four in total. There are also several crime scenes that confirm the individual, TH, was retrieving items, with the main items being evidence,’ Hendra said, as quoted by detikcom on Monday (29/6).

Hendra stated that West Java Police investigators are exploring the potential for new suspects, given that Taufik fled to several locations. Police could name suspects if they find evidence that other parties assisted Taufik during his period of flight.

‘So, up to now we are still investigating, because from witness statements yesterday, there were several people who repeatedly visited the rented room with many friends,’ he said.

‘That is the situation for now. However, if there is evidence that the person concerned was assisted in his flight or hiding, we are prepared to apply Article 55, for participating in assisting the perpetrator, and the punishment is almost similar to the perpetrator’s,’ he added.

In addition, police have also uncovered allegations that Taufik, within his work environment, had on several occasions taken the rights of others. If this allegation is proven, Hendra stated that Taufik could be charged in a new case as a reported party.

‘We have also received information that at his workplace, this TH took several rights belonging to other people, so it is possible he will also be a reported party in another case,’ Hendra said.

West Java Police investigators will also request a team of psychologists to examine the victim’s psychological state. This testimony is expected to further illuminate the case clearly.