September 13, 2026 | 03:23 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - 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 protest by offering them money, according to Jakarta Metro Police’s Directorate of Women and Children Protection and Human Trafficking Prevention.
“They influenced and provoked children to take part in the protest by offering them a certain amount of money,” director Rita Wulandari Wibowo said at a press conference at Jakarta Metro Police headquarters on Saturday, September 12. Police did not present the suspects at the press conference.
Rita said the first suspect, B, had recruited 53 children and promised each Rp55,000. 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 evidence of money transfers, Rita said. The transfers linked to B totaled Rp2.35 million, while those linked to N amounted to Rp842,500 and those linked to P totaled Rp250,000.
“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.
The three suspects are accused 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.
They also face charges under Article 76I in conjunction with Article 88 of the same law for alleged economic exploitation, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp200 million.
Police Uncover 3 Funding Clusters in August 27 Riots
22 jam lalu
Jakarta Metropolitan Police reveal three distinct funding clusters financing and mobilizing rioters during the August 27 post-demonstration unrest.
Why Do Locals Rally Against Israeli Presence in Thailand?
1 hari lalu
Thai protesters rallied in front of the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok on Thursday.
#EmergencyIndonesia: Why Are Bandung Students Taking to the Streets?
1 hari lalu
Over one hundred students from several universities in Bandung took to the streets on Friday afternoon to protest the government.
How Politicians Defused Asset Forfeiture Bill Protest
2 hari lalu
Pati activist met with House leaders and spoke with Prabowo about the Asset Forfeiture Bill. Politicians were working behind the scenes in Pati.
Why GRIB Jaya Stepped In to Break Up the August Protests
3 hari lalu
Hercules deployed 500 of his men to disperse protesters accused of causing unrest. The mobilization appears have been planned in advance.
Mysterious Mobs Dispersing Protesters in Pejompongan
5 hari lalu
A mirror-shop owner died after being beaten by a mob that dispersed demonstrators in Pejompongan. GRIB Jaya has also been implicated.
UK Government Condemns Anti-Migrant Protests
5 hari lalu
Hundreds gathered in Portsmouth after some refugees arrived by boat from France, a day after masked protesters disrupted traffic at the port of Dover.
How Politicians Defused the Asset Forfeiture Bill Protest
6 hari lalu
Pati activists met with House leaders and spoke with Prabowo about the Asset Forfeiture Bill. Politicians were working behind the scenes in Pati.
Yogyakarta Protesters Reject Police Claim Over Pepper Spray Use
9 hari lalu
Yogyakarta protesters reject police claims they used pepper spray, saying instead that outside groups attacked them during the clashes.
Six Injured; JPW Slams Police Handling of Yogyakarta Protest
10 hari lalu
Jogja Police Watch (JPW) criticized the Yogyakarta Police over security handling during a protest on Sept. 1 that left six students injured.
