Luxury Batik Thieves Apprehended in Jakarta Ahead of Major Crafts Fair
Jakarta police have arrested three individuals in connection with the theft of luxury batik fabrics valued at Rp 1.3 billion (approximately $77,000). The arrests came just days before the opening of Inacraft, Indonesia’s largest handicrafts fair, where the stolen batik was intended to be showcased.
According to authorities, the suspects were apprehended on February 12, 2026. “It is true that three suspects were arrested on February 12, 2026, and the losses amount to approximately Rp 1.3 billion,” stated Tanah Abang Police Chief AKBP Dhimas Prasetyo on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The theft occurred on February 3, 2026, at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) in Senayan. Police say the perpetrators targeted a single stall during the exhibition, acting under the cover of night before the event officially opened to the public. “They acted at night before the exhibition began,” Prasetyo explained.
Nighttime Operation and Recovered Goods
Investigators determined the suspects carried out the theft during the evening hours. Crucially, police confirmed that the stolen batik – both fabric and finished garments – remained in the possession of the suspects at the time of their arrest and had not yet been sold. “The stolen batik has not yet been sold by the perpetrators,” Prasetyo said.
The three individuals identified as suspects are Ledy Dwanty Naema Koen, Krisantus Nomleni, and Gelbeth Juliana Yunus. Police initiated their investigation following a report filed by the victim on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the day after the theft was discovered.
Following the report, officers from the Tanah Abang Police’s Criminal Unit, led by AKP Ikhsan Rangga, reviewed CCTV footage from the JCC and quickly began tracking the suspects. The arrests were carried out on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at separate locations.
The initial arrest took place at the Bekasi home of Ledy Dwanty Naema Koen, where police recovered some of the stolen batik. Koen was located with the assistance of her husband. “The suspect, Ms. Ledy Dwanty Naema Koen, was not present, but her husband provided information regarding her whereabouts, leading to her apprehension,” Rangga stated.
Koen subsequently provided information leading to the location of the other two suspects, Krisantus Nomleni and Gelbeth Juliana Yunus, who were apprehended nearby. All three were taken into custody at the Tanah Abang Police station.
Evidence Seized and Prior Incidents
In addition to the arrests, police seized a significant amount of evidence, including the stolen batik garments and fabric, valued at Rp 1.3 billion. The recovered items included two large containers filled with batik clothing and fabric, two large sacks, one suitcase containing batik garments, and five plastic bags filled with batik clothing and fabric. Police also confiscated three mobile phones belonging to the suspects and a Toyota Cayla vehicle allegedly used during the commission of the crime.
Investigators have revealed that this was not the first time the group had targeted the JCC. According to police, the suspects were also involved in a previous theft at the same location, resulting in losses of approximately Rp 100 million. “This is the second time they have committed theft, both times at the JCC. The first incident involved fabric, with losses of around Rp 100 million,” said Tanah Abang Police Chief Prasetyo.
Motive and Investigation
Authorities believe the motive for the thefts was financial. Prasetyo stated that the three suspects are friends and originate from the same region. “The motive is economic. They are friends from the same area,” he said.
The suspects have been charged under Article 477 of the Indonesian Criminal Code concerning aggravated theft. Police suspect the thefts were carefully planned. “This suggests the perpetrators had prior knowledge of the situation and planned their actions accordingly,” Prasetyo added.
