JAKARTA – Jakarta police have arrested nine suspects for allegedly torturing a maid at an apartment unit in Simprug, Kebayoran Baru, here yesterday.
In a statement, Metro Jaya general criminal investigation director Hengki Haryadi said the suspects include a local couple and six other maids.
Following a report lodged by the victim, police arrested all suspects under the Criminal Code and Domestic Violence Law – which carries a penalty of up to ten years’ imprisonment.
The victim – identified as Siti Khotimah, 23, from Pemalang, Central Java – was said to have been abused from September 18 until December 7 when she was allegedly stealing her employer’s clothing.
Ratna Quratul Aini, head of Metro Jaya’s youth, children and women unit, said the victim had been beaten and splashed with hot water, resulting in severe injuries to her body and head.
“The victim was handcuffed and forced to sleep in a dog cage,” Ratna was quoted as saying by local media.
The Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Indonesia has joined the condemnation against the alleged inhumane treatment of the maid and urged a more thorough investigation.
“We hope the police would take optimum action against the suspects so that it could be a lesson to other employers,” said its officer, Erlinda.
Last month, Cimahi police detained a husband and wife in West Bandung, West Java to facilitate investigations into the abuse of their 29-year-old maid, identified as Rohimah. – Bernama, December 16, 2022
