TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - There was nothing unusual about Ardian Wongsomadi, 55. He did not possess the Caucasian features commonly associated with most Americans. He also spoke fluent Indonesian. Neighbors knew him as someone who worked in information technology.
Since 2017, he had lived with his family in a housing complex in Duren Mekar village, Depok, West Java. At first, Ardian rented a house at the edge of the complex. He only occasionally socialized with neighbors.
About six months later, he purchased two adjacent houses in the complex and moved there. He later bought a third house. “He only moved into the third house a few months ago,” said Neneng, the wife of the local neighborhood association head, on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Neighbors were stunned on the night of Thursday, April 23, 2026. A dozen Immigration officers raided Ardian’s home. It was only then that they learned Ardian, also known as James, had been a fugitive wanted by the United States authorities in a child sexual abuse case since 2011. They also discovered that Ardian had been living with one of his victims in that house since moving into the neighborhood.
Depok Bans Sahur on the Road for Ramadan 2026
18 Februari 2026
The Depok City Government has officially banned Sahur on the Road activities for Ramadan 2026 to maintain public order and security.
Malls in Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang Cancel 2026 New Year's Eve Fireworks
28 Desember 2025
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo urged city residents not to set off fireworks during New Year's Eve celebrations.
Police Probe Bomb Threat Sent to 10 Schools in Depok
24 Desember 2025
The police are investigating the threat of bombs sent to ten schools in Depok through email.
Depok Schools Targeted by Series of Bomb Threats
23 Desember 2025
Metro Depok Police Senior Commissioner Arya Abdul Waras stated that authorities are investigating the threats.
Jakarta Remains Cloudy Amid Tropical Cyclones
27 November 2025
While Tropical Cyclones Senyar and Koto are affecting the northern parts of Indonesia, what about the weather in Jakarta and the surrounding areas?
West Java's Depok Shell Stations Run Dry on Fuel, Employees Sell Coffee Instead
18 September 2025
Shell stations across Depok have been without V-Power and Super fuel since September 14, forcing employees to sell only coffee to customers.
4.7 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Areas from Sukabumi to Depok on Wednesday Night
11 September 2025
A 4.7 magnitude tectonic earthquake was felt widely from Pelabuhan Ratu to Depok City on Wednesday evening, September 10, 2025.
Hundreds of Depok Students Suffer Food Poisoning from Pesantren Meals
3 September 2025
135 students from Baitul Qur'an Islamic Boarding School were poisoned and hospitalized after consuming their meals at school.
Kontras: 23 People Missing Due to Protests in Indonesia Over the Past Week
2 September 2025
Kontras opens a post to respond to the abundance of information on missing persons during demonstrations from 25-31 August 2025.
BMKG Forecasts Continued Rain in Jakarta This Afternoon and Evening
30 Agustus 2025
As was the case yesterday, when demonstrations took place at several locations in Jakarta, it rained several times.
