Chairman of Commission III of the DPR RI, Habiburokhman, holding a press conference alongside Kapolda Metro Jaya, Komjen Pol Asep Edi Suheri.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – The Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Habiburokhman, has commended the Polda Metro Jaya for successfully uncovering a case involving the exploitation of children during the unrest on August 27. Habiburokhman also urged the Polda Metro Jaya to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

“We extend our appreciation and full support to the Polda Metro Jaya for successfully uncovering the alleged criminal act of exploitation behind the protest-related unrest,” Habiburokhman told the media on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

In this case, the Polda Metro Jaya’s Directorate for the Women and Children Protection (PPA) and Human Trafficking (PPO) Directorate successfully apprehended individuals identified as B, N, and P, who are suspected of economically exploiting children. Such child exploitation is deemed to have undermined the integrity of orderly and safe public expression.

“The act of involving and exploiting children in protests is not only a serious legal violation but also undermines democratic values ​​and tarnishes the space for public expression,” said Habiburokhman.

“Actions intended to be peaceful, orderly, and dignified were instead marred by individuals who deliberately incited unrest for specific interests,” he added.

Therefore, Habiburokhman fully supports the Polda Metro Jaya in conducting an in-depth investigation so that the masterminds and financiers behind the child exploitation linked to the Jakarta unrest can be thoroughly prosecuted.

“A thorough investigation must continue to uncover the primary motives behind the unrest, including fully tracing the involvement of specific parties acting as masterminds or financiers,” Habiburokhman explained further.

“All responsible parties must face firm legal action to maintain public order and protect children’s futures from similar exploitation,” he concluded.  As previously reported, the PPA-PPO Directorate of the Polda Metro Jaya has detained three suspects accused of exploiting children to participate in riots in Central Jakarta on August 27. The perpetrators allegedly lured dozens of children with a payment of approximately Rp55.000.

The three perpetrators employed a modus operandi involving the provocation of children and the promise of varying payment amounts. Each perpetrator recruited children to take part in a protest that ultimately turned violent.

“They influenced and provoked children to get involved in protest activities by dangling the promise of money. One perpetrator—known by the nickname B or the initial F—successfully recruited 53 children, promising each of them Rp55.000,” said Kombes Pol Rita Wulandari Wibowo, Director of PPA and PPO at the Polda Metro Jaya, during a press conference at the Polda Metro Jaya headquarters on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

“Then, a female suspect with the initial N managed to gather or recruit 22 children, each promised Rp50 000. Finally, a suspect with the initial F—commonly known as P—successfully gathered 8 children, who were promised Rp40.000,” she continued. (Bembo)