Indonesian labor rights activist Said Iqbal has reported the kidnapping and torture of three employees at a printing company in Senen, Central Jakarta, to President Prabowo Subianto. The victims—identified as MRJ, TS, and AS—were allegedly held captive, shackled, and denied food by seven suspects for 21 days starting June 5, 2026, following accusations of workplace theft.
Details of the kidnapping and labor violations
The incident occurred at the Mau Print facility on East Kalibaru Street, where the company accused the three employees of stealing iron printing plates valued at Rp230 million. According to Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief Grand Commissioner Reynold E. P. Hutagalung, the perpetrators forced the victims to sign statements agreeing to pay Rp150 million in total compensation. Instead of pursuing formal legal channels, the suspects allegedly chained the victims’ legs and held them on the second and third floors of the building.
Said Iqbal, who visited one of the victims, reported that the employees endured significant physical and psychological abuse. During a July 3, 2026, press conference, Iqbal stated that the victims were denied food for three days and subjected to “inhumane and unkind” treatment. Beyond the kidnapping, Iqbal highlighted systemic labor violations at the company, including a monthly wage of Rp500,000 and the absence of overtime pay for irregular working hours.
Police intervention and current legal status
The Central Jakarta Metro Police launched an investigation after receiving a report on June 26, 2026. Officers from the Senen Police Sector arrived at the scene, evacuated the three victims, and arrested seven suspects. During the raid, police recovered evidence including iron chains, steel cable slings, padlocks, leg restraints, and Rp55 million in cash.
The seven suspects now face charges under Law Number 1 of 2023, specifically Article 482 for extortion, Article 446 for kidnapping, and Article 471 for torture. If convicted, they face a maximum imprisonment of nine years. The suspects are currently being held at the Central Jakarta Metro Police Detention Center.
Significance and potential outcomes
The case has reached the highest levels of government, with Said Iqbal confirming he presented his findings to President Prabowo Subianto via a presidential brief. Iqbal also reported coordinating with National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, whom he described as “very responsive” to the matter. According to Iqbal, the victims were subjected to intimidation and offered up to Rp1 billion per person in “hush money” to drop the case, offers which the employees rejected in favor of seeking justice.
As the legal process moves forward, the case involves the Presidential Advisor for Labor and Workers’ Welfare and the National Police Chief. Investigators continue to process the evidence seized from the printing facility.
