Minister Urges Public Empathy for Bandung Captivity Victim, Calls for Maximum Penalty for Perpetrator

The Minister for Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, urged the public not to judge YTR, the victim of the assault and captivity case in Bandung Regency, West Java. She also appealed to the public not to disseminate photos or information that could worsen the victim's psychological condition. "We invite all members of the public not to judge the victim and not to spread information, photos, or content that can worsen the victim's psychological condition," said Arifah in Jakarta on Sunday (28/6/2026). Arifah emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the victim receives comprehensive protection, assistance, and recovery. On the other hand, the PPPA Ministry also encourages law enforcement officials to impose maximum penalties on the perpetrators. According to her, the arrest of the perpetrator is not the end of the case handling. The government's main focus is to ensure the victim receives health services, psychological recovery, social assistance, and legal aid on a sustainable basis. "Our main focus right now is to ensure that the victim receives comprehensive and sustainable protection, health services, psychological recovery, social assistance, and legal assistance," she stated. Arifah said that the victim not only suffered physical injuries but also complex psychological trauma. Therefore, the recovery process requires long-term assistance with a victim-centered approach that respects the victim's needs, conditions, and choices at every stage of recovery. She also appreciated the swift action of the West Java Regional Police along with all parties involved in uncovering the case and naming TH as a suspect. "The arrest is an important development in the effort to enforce the law and shows that the state is present to provide protection and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions before the law," said Arifah, as quoted by Antara. YTR is suspected of being a victim of captivity and abuse by her lover, TH, in a boarding house in the Cileunyi area, Bandung Regency. The victim was held captive for three years. The case has been reported to the West Java Regional Police and registered under the number LP/B/1145/VI/2026/SPKT/POLDA JAWA BARAT dated June 12, 2026. The report was made by the victim's brother, identified as Afif Shandy (30). Based on the brother Afif's statement, the victim suffered severe injuries to her head, face, and legs, rendering her unable to see, walk, or speak normally, allegedly due to abuse by the perpetrator.