Victims of Senen kidnapping faced 'inhumane' treatment, chained and starved: labor advisor

The harrowing conditions of three workers allegedly held captive, starved, and chained in Senen, Central Jakarta, have been revealed by Said Iqbal, advisor to the Indonesian President on labor affairs. Iqbal visited one of the victims, identified by the initials TS, who recounted the ordeal with tears, describing being "chained and treated uncivilized and inhumanely."

According to Iqbal, the employees also faced severe labor rights violations, receiving a meager monthly wage of only Rp 500,000 (approximately $33 USD). They reportedly worked irregular hours and received no overtime pay. "Many labor laws were violated," Iqbal stated, emphasizing that any worker suspected of wrongdoing should be handled through legal channels, not through "vigilantism" or inhumane treatment.

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have arrested seven individuals suspected of playing various roles in the alleged kidnapping, extortion, assault, and threats against the three employees, identified as MRJ, TS, and AS. The victims were reportedly held for 21 days starting June 5, 2026. The incident occurred at the Mau Print printing company.

Police received the report on June 26, 2026, and found the three male victims at the scene. The company allegedly accused the victims of stealing printing plates, claiming a loss of Rp 230 million (approximately $15,000 USD). Instead of pursuing legal action, the victims were allegedly forced to sign statements agreeing to pay Rp 50 million each, totaling Rp 150 million, to cover the alleged damages. One family reportedly paid Rp 50 million, but the victims remained detained and chained.