Labor Rights Activist Reports Kidnapped Jakarta Workers Case to Prabowo

Labour Rights Advocate Conveys Details of Jakarta Employee Kidnapping to Prabowo

Labor Rights Activist Reports Kidnapped Jakarta – On Friday, July 3, 2026, Said Iqbal, a prominent labour rights advocate and presidential advisor for worker welfare, shared findings about a reported incident involving the abduction of three employees in Senen, Central Jakarta. The victims, identified as MRJ, TS, and AS, were allegedly detained by seven individuals following accusations of theft.

Abduction and Inhumane Treatment

Iqbal stated that he visited one of the victims’ homes to evaluate their situation. During the meeting, he received accounts of the abuse they endured.

“They were held captive for three days without food, chained, and subjected to cruel treatment,” Iqbal recounted during a press briefing at the Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters.

Workplace Conditions and Financial Exploitation

According to Iqbal, the workers were paid a monthly salary of just Rp500,000 and worked irregular hours without overtime compensation. He highlighted that the perpetrators also threatened the victims to discourage legal action.

“The suspects intimidated them to prevent further investigation,” Iqbal added.

He also noted that the victims were offered hush money, with some receiving promises of up to Rp1 billion each, though they refused to accept it.

Reporting to Authorities

Iqbal claimed to have presented his observations to President Prabowo Subianto via a formal brief. He also informed General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the head of Indonesia’s National Police, about the case. “The police chief responded promptly to the details,” Iqbal said.

Police Investigation and Suspects

Meanwhile, the Central Jakarta Metro Police revealed seven suspects linked to the case. These individuals were accused of detaining, torturing, and extorting the three workers for 21 days starting June 5, 2026. The police received the report on June 26, 2026, and swiftly intervened. Officers from the Senen Police Sector located the victims, AS, MR, and TS, and freed them while arresting the accused.

Company’s Alleged Motive

The incident occurred at Mau Print, a printing press on East Kalibaru Street, Senen District. The company claimed the workers stole iron printing plates, resulting in a loss of Rp230 million. Instead of filing legal charges, the perpetrators reportedly compelled the victims to sign a compensation agreement, demanding Rp50 million per person. AS was still restrained on the second floor, while TS and MR remained locked on the third, according to Police Chief Reynold E. P. Hutagalung.

Charges and Ongoing Proceedings

Investigators seized evidence including chains, cables, padlocks, and a BCA ATM card linked to the case. The suspects now face charges under Law No. 1 of 2023, specifically Articles 482 (extortion), 446 (kidnapping), and/or 471 (torture), which could lead to up to nine years in prison. The seven detainees are currently held at the Central Jakarta Metro Police Detention Centre for further inquiry.