Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Two child, identified as IT (12) and DI (10), were kidnapped by a 20-year-old man, SH, after meeting him through an online game. The victims were taken from Serang, Banten, to a rented house in Sunter, North Jakarta.
The case began when IT, a young girl, played an online game with SH. Serang Police Chief AKBP Condro Sasongko stated on Monday that the suspect and the victim had been in contact for two weeks trough an online game Free Fire.
Their frequent communication led to IT being persuaded to travel to Jakarta on Sunday (March 24).
“The suspect met the victims through an online gaming app. They communicated frequently, and SH eventually convinced the victim to meet in person. However, the victim asked to be accompanied by her cousin,” said Serang Police Chief AKBP Condro Sasongko on Wednesday (April 26).
Suspect SH rented a car and picked up IT and her cousin DI, in Kragilan District, Serang Regency, Banten. The two child were then kidnapped by the suspect, and took them to his rented house.
Concerned that their child had not returned home, the victims’ parents reported the incident to the Kragilan Police on Monday (March 25). Following an investigation, Serang Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit located the victims and moved quickly to rescue them.
“Our investigation revealed that the victims were in a rented house in Sunter, Tanjung Priok,” said the police chief, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
Upon identifying the suspect’s location, police immediately deployed to the scene. By around 12:00 PM the same day, just three hours after receiving the report, officers arrested SH at his residence and rescued the two children.
“Both the victims and the suspect were taken to Serang Police Headquarters. Initial examinations suggest that the female victim may have been sexually assaulted by SH at the location,” he added.
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SH is now in police custody for further questioning, while the victims are receiving psychological support.
The suspect is facing multiple charges under Indonesia’s Child Protection Law (Law No. 17 of 2016, which ratifies Government Regulation in Lieu of Law No. 1 of 2016) and Article 331 of the Criminal Code.
“We will charge him with multiple offenses, including kidnapping and sexual assault. The suspect is still being questioned further to uncover any additional motives,” said Serang Police Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKP Andi Kurniady on Wednesday (April 26).
Authorities urge parents to remain vigilant about their children’s online interactions, emphasizing the potential dangers of communicating with strangers in virtual spaces. Meanwhile, the victims are receiving psychological support as the investigation into the suspect’s motives continues.
(Raidi/Agung)
