HARIANEXPRESS – Jakarta Metro Police have detained three suspects accused of exploiting children during riots that followed a protest in Jakarta on August 27, 2026.
The three suspects, identified by the initials B, N and P, allegedly recruited children to take part in the demonstration by offering them money according to Jakarta Metro Police’s Directorate of Women and Children Protection and Human Trafficking Prevention.
Director Rita Wulandari Wibowo stated at a press conference at Jakarta Metro Police headquarters on Saturday, September 12, that the suspects influenced and provoked minors to join the unrest. Police did not present the suspects at the press conference.
Rita noted that the first suspect, B, recruited 53 children with a promised payment of Rp55,000 each. The second suspect, N, a woman, allegedly gathered 22 children and promised them Rp50,000 each.
The third suspect, P, allegedly recruited eight children and planned to give each of them Rp40,000. Investigators found transaction evidence linked to B totaling Rp2.35 million, while transfers linked to N amounted to Rp842,500 and those linked to P totaled Rp250,000.
“They influenced and provoked children to take part in the protest by offering them a certain amount of money,” Rita Wulandari Wibowo said.
“However, this is only based on the evidence we have seen. There are several other matters that we need to investigate further, as the transactions indicate other activities that require further verification,” Rita said.
Legal Charges and Potential Penalties
The three suspects face accusations of violating provisions of Indonesia’s Child Protection Law concerning the involvement of children in activities that could harm them. They face up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp100 million under Article 76H in conjunction with Article 87 of Law No. 35 of 2014 on Child Protection.
Additionally, they face charges under Article 76I in conjunction with Article 88 of the same law for alleged economic exploitation. This offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp200 million.
