Two Women Held Captive in Hotel and Sold to Clients, Pimp Arrested in Kendari

Two women in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, have allegedly become victims of human trafficking after being held captive for four days and four nights in a hotel and sold to male clients. Police have arrested a 26-year-old man, identified by the initial D, suspected of acting as their pimp.

‘Iya, the perpetrator has been secured following a public report,’ said Kendari Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head AKP Welliwanto Malau in a statement on Tuesday (23/6/2026).

The case came to light after police received a report from residents on Monday (22/6) evening regarding two women believed to be held against their will at a hotel in Kendari District, Kendari City. Officers subsequently visited the location and evacuated the two victims, identified by the initials N (30) and C (16).

‘They were held captive for four days and four nights in the hotel,’ Welliwanto stated.

Based on initial investigations, police suspect the two women were victims of human trafficking. Officers also arrested D, who is alleged to have traded the victims and acted as their pimp.

‘They admitted to being traded by the perpetrator through a messaging application, and both were immediately taken into custody by the Women and Children Protection Unit,’ he explained.

In addition to being trafficked, the two victims also reported that they were frequently threatened by the perpetrator while under his control.

‘These two victims were also often threatened by the perpetrator if they did not comply. We immediately arrested the perpetrator,’ he added.

Kendari Police are continuing to develop the case to uncover the possibility of additional victims or other parties involved in the suspected human trafficking operation. Meanwhile, D remains under intensive examination.

‘The perpetrator is now at the Kendari Police headquarters for further questioning,’ he concluded.