Unveiling of Prostitution Disguised as Karaoke in West Jakarta, Underage Children Exploited

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Jakarta Metro West Police have uncovered a dark practice of exploitation involving women and underage children in the Jalan Daan Mogot area, North Kedoya, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. The nightclub operating under the guise of karaoke services and companions in the area was raided by police on Saturday (9/5/2026). The revelation of this case not only exposed the misuse of business permits for years but also drew sharp attention due to the involvement of children employed as commercial sex workers (CSWs). In response, the Women and Children Protection and Investigation Unit (PPA) and the Women and Persons Protection Unit (PPO) of the Jakarta Metro West Police took action. The head of the PPA and PPO Unit at Jakarta Metro West Police, Kompol Nunu Suparmi, stated that the venue had falsified its business permit. “We received reports that it was a karaoke place, and the permit was for karaoke. But after our inspection, it turned out there was prostitution arranged by the owner, for about three years,” Nunu explained to reporters at the Jakarta Metro West Police station on Thursday (14/5/2026). From the raid operation, police arrested a total of 22 people involved in the prostitution business. “We secured them on Saturday at exactly 01:00 WIB in the early hours, securing 22 people with various roles there. There were LCs (lady companions), pimps, and cashiers,” Nunu revealed. Of the 22 people brought to the police station, five have now been detained. However, Nunu has not yet disclosed the roles of each suspect. “The children are from Lampung and Bogor,” Nunu said. To restore their mental condition and ensure their safety, the two teenage girls were immediately evacuated to a safe house for protection and psychological support. The venue’s operations were immediately halted with the installation of police tape at the entrance area. Nevertheless, Nunu assured that the case is not yet closed. Police are still hunting for the intellectual masterminds behind the scenes managing and facilitating this prostitution business. “Police are also investigating parties suspected of being involved in the management or exploitation practices at the nightclub location; we are developing leads to find other suspects,” Nunu stated.