Director of Women and Children Protection (PPA) and Human Trafficking (PPO) at the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Rita Wulandari Wibowo, speaking at a press conference at the Polda Metro Jaya headquarters.

progresifjaya.co.id,  JAKARTA – The Women and Children Protection (PPA) and Human Trafficking (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.

Director of PPA and PPO at the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Rita Wulandari Wibowo explained, that the three perpetrators are identified by the initials B, N, and P. Evidence indicates that all three engaged in the economic exploitation of children.

“There are three individuals—initials B, N, and P—identified through evidence we have analyzed. There are indications of economic exploitation involving a number of children recruited by each of them,” said Kombes Pol Rita during a press conference at the Jakarta Metro Police headquarters on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

She explained, that the perpetrators’ modus operandi involved provoking children and enticing them with varying amounts of money. 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 as B or by the initial F—successfully recruited 53 children, promising each of them Rp55.000,” Kombes Pol Rita detailed.

“Then, the suspect with the initial N—a woman—successfully gathered or recruited 22 children, each promised Rp50.000. Meanwhile, the suspect with the initial F—commonly known as P—managed to gather 8 children, who were promised Rp40.000,” she continued.

The three perpetrators gained financial profit from these actions. Based on the police’s preliminary investigation, Kombes Pol Rita stated, that B profited by Rp2.350.000, N by Rp842.500, and P by Rp250.000.

“Thus, the investigation and transfer records indicate individual profits of Rp2.350.000 for B, Rp842.500 for N, and Rp250.000 for P. However, these figures are based solely on currently visible evidence. There are other matters we need to investigate further, specifically regarding other transaction activities that require additional proof,” explained Kombes Pol Rita.

As a reminder, the unrest in Pejompongan resulted in the death of an elderly resident, Bambang Setiawan. The victim was beaten to death by rioters. (Bembo)