“With gratitude to Allah, today our sister Reni Rahmawati has safely returned,” West Java Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Setiawan said Tuesday while receiving her in Bandung.
Reni went missing in September 2025 and was later found to have been taken to China under the pretext of employment, only to be married off to a local man in Guangzhou, Fujian Province.
Authorities have named two suspects in connection with selling Reni abroad.
“This happened through deceit and criminal acts by the two individuals we have identified as suspects,” Rudi said.
Reni had been promised a salary of 15 million rupiah to work in China, but upon arrival, she was forced into marriage instead.
West Java Police, in coordination with immigration authorities, the provincial government, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, worked to secure her return.
“Thankfully, Reni was safeguarded and assisted by the Indonesian Consulate in Guangzhou. Legal matters there were handled to allow her repatriation,” Rudi said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and consulate representatives escorted her back to Indonesia, culminating in her arrival at the West Java Police Headquarters.
The police chief cautioned the public against falling for vague or dubious job offers abroad.
“We have named two suspects and are pursuing others still at large,” he added.
Reni expressed relief at her safe return and confirmed she experienced no physical abuse or sexual harassment while in China.
“Thanks to the Consulate General, to Ms. Indah from the Indonesian Consulate, and to the Police Chief. There was no sexual harassment or physical violence during my stay,” she said.
Previously, on Monday, Indonesian Consul General in Guangzhou Ben Perkasa Drajat reported that Reni, the victim of a “mail-order bride” case in China, returned to Indonesia on Tuesday.
Reni traveled to Bandung accompanied by the Consular Officer from the Indonesian Consulate in Guangzhou, he said, adding that the Indonesian Consulate in Guangzhou provided full protection to ensure Reni's safe return through close coordination between local Chinese authorities and Indonesian officials.
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Translator: Rubby JP, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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