Police Uncovers Online Child Prostitution in South Sulawesi

TheIndonesia.co - The South Sulawesi Police has arrested one individual in relation to alleged online trafficking case which involved three underage girls.

Spokesperson for South Sulawesi Police Grand Commissioner Komang Suartana confirmed on Wednesday, August 10, that one person had been arrested for pimping underage girls by using online platform.

“Suspect UK sold underage girls in Hotel B and Hotel D,” Suartana said, as reported by Antara.

Investigation into the case started after the police had received public reports about website used for child prostitution.

Suartana confirmed that investigation into the case still continues.

“We’re anticipating prostitution, including online, within South Sulawesi. And there are three victims in this case: S, Z, and S – all of them are underage.”

The police explained that UK sold the girls to clients who booked the victims online from Rp 600,000 (US$41) to above Rp 1 million. It was also reported that suspect and victims frequently relocated prior to the arrest.

“All of the victims originated from Makassar and [were sold] online. [The meeting] might take place in one location, but victims could also be taken [out of the city]. Suspect said they’d repeatedly [sold the victims],” Suartana explained, adding that UK was arrested on August 9.

It was also reported that the clients include lower, middle, and upper class individuals.

Suspect can be charged with sexual exploitation of children offenses and face up to 15 years in prison or a fine of up to Rp5 billion.