Jakarta police are continuing their investigation into the alleged abduction of professional golfer Jesslyn Wijaya Lay, despite the original complainant formally withdrawing the report. According to AKBP Roby Heri Saputra, Chief of Criminal Investigation at the Central Jakarta Metro Police, the case remains open to verify whether a criminal act occurred or if the incident involved a voluntary departure.
Status of the Investigation and Report Withdrawal
The formal complaint was initially filed following an incident on Monday, July 13, at a restaurant in Central Jakarta. According to AKBP Roby Heri Saputra, the reporting party, identified as an associate of the athlete with the initials NA, arrived at the Central Jakarta Police station on Sunday, July 19, to retract the report.
Despite the withdrawal, investigators have not closed the case file. Police are currently working to determine the factual sequence of events. “We have not stopped the investigation because we have not yet found the actual facts of the case, specifically whether a criminal act took place,” Roby stated on Tuesday, July 21.
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Alleged Circumstances of the Disappearance
The incident reportedly took place while the athlete was attending a family birthday celebration. According to police accounts, five unidentified individuals approached the victim at the restaurant and allegedly forced her to leave the premises. Investigators have reviewed CCTV footage from the restaurant and conducted follow-up visits to the victim’s residence as part of their evidence gathering.
Authorities have indicated that the victim may currently be outside of Jakarta. The primary objective for the police is now to establish whether the victim’s departure was voluntary or if it fits the legal criteria for kidnapping. “We are still conducting an investigation to confirm if this event was the victim’s own choice or if there was an alleged criminal act of kidnapping as reported initially,” Roby explained.
Public Safety and Legal Precedents
For instance, similar incidents have surfaced in other regions of Indonesia, such as a recent case in Makassar where a teenager fabricated a kidnapping scenario to demand a ransom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can police continue an investigation if the complainant withdraws the report?
Yes.
What is the current status of the Jesslyn Wijaya Lay case?
As of July 21, the Central Jakarta Metro Police are still actively investigating the matter to determine if the victim was a victim of a crime or if she left the location voluntarily.
How are police verifying the events?
Police are utilizing evidence including CCTV recordings from the restaurant and conducting field investigations to locate the victim and clarify her status.
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