Concerned parents’ report leads police to hotel where teen was found with alleged repeat offender
A 19-year-old man was arrested in Batam after police discovered him in a hotel room with a missing underage girl, following a report filed by her worried parents.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, Barelang Police arrested a man identified as RE, 19, after locating him with an underage girl, MM, in a low-cost hotel in Batam. The arrest came after MM’s parents filed a missing person report, stating that their daughter had been unreachable for several days.
Based on a tip-off that MM was last seen with RE at the hotel, the criminal investigation unit of Polresta Barelang quickly responded and secured the two individuals. They were brought in for questioning, where RE admitted to spending around eight hours in the room with the girl.
In his statement to investigators, RE claimed the two had a consensual relationship, though MM is legally a minor. He admitted to physical intimacy but denied having sexual intercourse. “We just kissed, I didn’t go further,” RE said. However, he also confessed to recording the acts on his mobile phone, which is now part of the ongoing investigation.
The suspect further acknowledged that MM was not his only victim. Investigators from Unit PPA (Women and Children Protection) are now working to identify other potential underage victims based on RE’s own confession. The case is being pursued under Indonesia’s child protection laws.
At present, RE remains in custody while police gather evidence and assess the full scope of his offenses. Authorities stated that digital forensics will be crucial in determining whether explicit material was shared or stored beyond personal use, which could escalate the charges.
Batam police have reiterated the importance of parental vigilance and community cooperation in reporting suspicious behavior. This case, they say, underscores the need for stronger digital awareness among families and quicker interventions in missing child cases.
This disturbing case serves as a stark reminder of the growing dangers young individuals face—both offline and online. In a city like Batam, where urban growth meets digital exposure, authorities must remain alert while families and schools must prioritize child safeguarding education. Regional communities, including Singaporeans who often travel to Batam, are increasingly aware of such cross-border social issues that demand collective responsibility and responsive justice systems.
Sources: Kepri Post (2025), Batam News (2025)
Keywords: Missing Girl, Underage Victim, Hotel Arrest, Sexual Misconduct, Batam Police, Child Molestation, RE Suspect
