Indonesia: 'Sex-slave' held captive in cave since 15 years rescued
Police in Indonesia have rescued a 28-year-old woman, who was apparently held captive in a cave in Sulawesi and sexually abused by a 'healer' for 15 years. Jago, the accused, had kidnapped 'HS' when she was 13, when her family brought her to him for 'treatment.' She had been brainwashed and trapped since then. According to reports, her sister was in on the conspiracy.
She was kidnapped when she was just 13
Eighty-three-year-old Jago was reportedly a popular healer in the region, known for his traditional methods. Locals often came to him with marital, professional or other problems. According to locals, he tricked HS, who was a young child when she met him, and lured her. He then trapped her in the cave, saying a 'jin' was guarding the entrance, to convince her not to leave.
He abused her repeatedly, gave her abortion potions
All these years, he kept using her as a sex slave, police said. She would be brought to his house at night and during the day, would be "forced to stay in the small prison-like cave." After her rescue, she told police he missed her periods several times. Jago would then give her potions to induce an abortion.
Accused told her family she had gone to Jakarta
Meanwhile, he told her family that she had found work in Jakarta and left. To convince them, he had food delivered to them and said they were from HS. With time, he told them he had lost touch with her.
Victim's sister, married to accused's sister, reportedly knew about it
In a disturbing twist, it has been reported that HS' elder sister, who is married to Jago's son, knew about the happenings. Her ordeal came to light after a neighbor overheard this sister fighting with her husband, threatening to report HS' whereabouts. The neighbor then alerted police, who found HS in a small space between boulders. Jago now faces up to 15 years in prison.
Women's body commissioner warns of other potential victims
The sister and her husband have been questioned too. They might become suspects depending on the investigation. National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) commissioner Magdalena Sitorus had a warning: "Since the perpetrator was well-respected in the village, there is a possibility that there are other victims that have not yet come forward because they are afraid." HS should be given proper medical care, she added.
