Said Iqbal Reports Alleged False Imprisonment of Workers in Central Jakarta to President Prabowo

Presidential Special Adviser on Labour and Worker Welfare, Said Iqbal, has reported an alleged case of false imprisonment, shackling, and extortion against three employees in Central Jakarta directly to President Prabowo Subianto. The report was submitted in the form of a presidential brief. Said Iqbal revealed that the victims’ condition was deeply concerning after they endured inhumane treatment. One victim, named Tegar, the child of a mobile ice seller, was reportedly held captive for three days without food, paraded, and even shackled by the perpetrator. “The facts on the ground are deeply concerning. They were treated inhumanely. If there is an alleged violation of the law by a worker, the employer should pursue legal channels, not take the law into their own hands,” Said Iqbal stressed. Beyond the physical violence, he exposed massive violations of labour rights. The victims were reportedly paid only Rp500,000 without overtime pay and with irregular working hours, a figure far below the Jakarta Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP). The case was also marked by alleged intimidation and extortion. Said Iqbal stated that one victim was extorted for up to Rp50 million by the perpetrator before the case came to light. There was even an attempt to offer the victims up to Rp1 billion each to withdraw the report, which the families rejected in pursuit of legal justice. Currently, the state, through the Central Jakarta Metro Police and the Metro Jaya Regional Police, has taken steps to handle the case. The Police Medical and Health Division has also facilitated medical treatment and psychological trauma care for the victims. The Office of the Presidential Special Adviser is assisting in restoring the victims’ lost civil registration documents and BPJS Health insurance. Said Iqbal confirmed he will send a second presidential brief to report on the progress of the investigation to the Palace. He reiterated President Prabowo’s message that law enforcement must take firm action against the perpetrators without compromise to protect ordinary citizens and uphold the dignity of workers.