Labor Rights Activist Reports Kidnapped Jakarta Workers Case to Prabowo

Labor Rights Activist Reports Kidnapped Jakarta Workers Case to Prabowo

Tempatdonasi.com – On July 3, 2026, labor rights advocate and Presidential Advisor for Labor and Workers’ Welfare in Indonesia, Said Iqbal, confirmed reporting the case of three employees from Senen, Central Jakarta, who were allegedly kidnapped by seven individuals. The victims, identified as MRJ, TS, and AS, were reportedly detained after being accused of theft, according to Iqbal’s account during a press conference held at the Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters. The incident, which Iqbal described as a significant violation of labor rights, has sparked discussions about workplace exploitation and the legal accountability of employers in the region.

Incident Overview and Victim Conditions

The kidnapping occurred at a printing press in Senen, Central Jakarta, where the victims were allegedly held captive for 21 days starting June 5, 2026. Iqbal detailed the harrowing conditions the workers endured, emphasizing that they were not provided food for three days and were physically restrained with chains. “They were treated in a manner that was both inhumane and unkind,” he stated, recounting the victims’ accounts of being shackled and confined without proper nourishment.

“Being detained and not given food for three days, chained, and treated in a inhumane and unkind manner,” said Iqbal during the press conference.

Working Conditions and Legal Violations

According to Iqbal, the workers faced additional hardships beyond their physical detention. They were reportedly earning a monthly wage of Rp500,000, which is significantly below the minimum wage for Jakarta, and worked irregular hours without receiving overtime compensation. “From a labor law perspective, many violations have occurred,” he added, highlighting the systemic issues that contributed to the abuse. The workers’ low income and lack of labor protections, Iqbal argued, created an environment where exploitation could thrive.

Perpetrators’ Tactics and Hush Money Offers

Iqbal revealed that the perpetrators not only detained the victims but also subjected them to psychological pressure to prevent legal action. “Several individuals were threatening them to drop the case,” he explained, noting that the victims were offered substantial sums of money to settle the dispute. One of the victims was promised up to Rp1 billion, while the others received similar amounts, yet they refused to accept the deals. “They refused because they need justice,” Iqbal clarified, underscoring their determination to pursue accountability.

Reporting to Authorities and Police Response

Following his investigation, Iqbal conveyed his findings to President Prabowo Subianto through a presidential brief. He also reported the case to General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the Chief of the Indonesian National Police, who expressed immediate concern. “I also discussed this case with the police chief, and he was very responsive,” Iqbal noted, describing the collaborative effort between labor advocates and law enforcement.

The Central Jakarta Metropolitan Police, meanwhile, identified seven suspects involved in the case. These individuals were allegedly responsible for detaining, extorting, torturing, and intimidating the three employees. The suspects were arrested on June 29, 2026, after the police received a report on June 26, 2026, around 9:00 p.m. Officers from the Senen Police Sector visited the scene and located the victims, identified as AS, MR, and TS, who were found shackled within the company’s premises.

Company’s Role and Evidence Collected

The company at the center of the incident, Mau Print, is suspected of accusing the workers of stealing iron printing plates, resulting in a claimed loss of Rp230 million. Iqbal stated that the perpetrators forced the victims to sign a statement to compensate for the alleged damage, demanding Rp50 million from each individual. The total sum of Rp150 million was reportedly intended to cover the company’s losses. However, the victims were not immediately released, and their families were contacted to facilitate the payment.

On June 20, 2026, one of the victims’ families paid Rp50 million to Mau Print, but the other two, TS and MR, remained in custody. The police, during their investigation, seized various pieces of evidence, including iron chains, steel cable slings, padlocks with keys, leg restraints, grinders, drills, and a BCA ATM card in the name of II. Additionally, they recovered Rp55 million in cash, which is under suspicion of being linked to the case.

Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigations

The suspects have been charged under multiple articles of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP). These include Article 482 for extortion, Article 446 for kidnapping, and/or Article 471 for torture. Each suspect faces a maximum sentence of nine years in prison. The seven individuals are currently being held at the Central Jakarta Metro Police Detention Center for further inquiry. The case has drawn attention to the intersection of labor rights and corporate accountability, with Iqbal calling for stronger enforcement of labor laws.

Context and Broader Implications

The incident at Mau Print is not isolated, as Iqbal pointed out during his press conference. He linked it to a pattern of labor exploitation that has persisted in the region, noting the company’s history of suspecting workers of theft. “This case reflects the broader challenges faced by laborers in Jakarta, where economic pressures and lack of legal recourse often lead to severe consequences,” he remarked. The hush money offer, for instance, underscores the power imbalance between employers and employees, with the latter forced to compromise their rights for financial survival.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and holding the perpetrators accountable. Iqbal’s report to President Prabowo highlights the role of political leadership in addressing labor rights issues, while the police’s swift action demonstrates their commitment to resolving such cases. The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of labor laws in protecting workers from exploitation and abuse.

Read: KSPI Has Supported Prabowo Since 2014 Election, Said Iqbal Says

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