Indonesian Police arrest two suspects involved in distributing child pornography via social media

INDONESIA: The Sub-Directorate of Cyber Crime in the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police has successfully apprehended two individuals involved in the dissemination of child pornography content through various social media platforms.

One of the arrested suspects is a minor named LNH, while the other, identified as R, is an adult. The arrests were made following an intensive investigation into the distribution of explicit content involving minors.

According to Commissioner Ade Safri Simanjuntak, the Director of the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate, the investigation revealed that the explicit content was being circulated via various online channels, primarily through the use of the Telegram messaging app.

The suspects were found to be both distributing and selling explicit videos and photos, some of which featured minors engaged in explicit acts.

The authorities discovered that R was operating a network of ten Telegram accounts and six channels, through which they promoted and sold packages of explicit content.

The content was categorized into different pricing tiers, with charges ranging from Rp Rp60,000 to Rp150,000 (US$4 to US$10), depending on the type and quantity of content.

In a statement, Ade Safri disclosed, “The suspects orchestrated a systematic process where interested individuals would make payment arrangements before being granted access to specific Telegram groups. Subsequently, the agreed-upon content would be transmitted to the buyers.”

The investigation also exposed the involvement of LNH, who was utilizing a Facebook account to promote explicit videos and photos.

Interested parties were required to make monetary deposits to a designated account, after which they would gain access to a dedicated Telegram group containing the purchased content.

Ade Safri emphasized that the suspects were apprehended in different locations, with R being captured in South Sumatra on 3 August and LNH apprehended in Banjarmasin on 4 August.

As a result of their actions, the suspects are charged under Article 27 paragraph 1 in conjunction with Article 45 of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE Law), and/or Article 4 and/or Article 29 of Law Number 44 of 2008 concerning Pornography.

Specifically for suspect LNH, Article 76 I in conjunction with Article 88 of Law Number 35 of 2014 on Child Protection is applied. “In the case of the minor LNH, no detention has been conducted by the investigative team.

He is being charged under the Child Protection Law and will receive psychological support and rehabilitation. However, another suspect named R has been detained at the Metro Jaya Police detention centre for further proceedings,” he stated.

Kawiyan, a commissioner from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), expressed his hope that the maximum legal consequences would be imposed on the perpetrators, R and LNH.

He further urged law enforcement to identify and assist the victims, ensuring they receive the necessary psychological assessment, counselling, and rehabilitation.

Kawiyan also highlighted the importance of vigilance among parents and educators regarding children’s internet and social media usage.