Former restaurant manager accused of workplace sexual misconduct detained in Batam by police task force
Candro Maikel, 31, a fugitive in a sexual assault case from Tanjungpinang, was arrested in Batam after evading law enforcement since March 2025. He was working as a mall supervisor when police located and detained him.
Months in Hiding End with Arrest in Batam
After being on the Wanted Persons List (DPO) since March 2025, Candro Maikel, a former fast-food restaurant manager in Tanjungpinang, was arrested in Batam by the Criminal Investigation Unit (Jatanras) of the Tanjungpinang Police Department. He had been avoiding investigation into sexual misconduct allegations involving a female subordinate and fled shortly after the case went public.
According to Ipda Freddy Simanjuntak, head of the Jatanras Unit, Candro had refused to respond to police summons before escaping to Batam. “We captured him while he was working as a mall supervisor. He had been hiding for two months,” Simanjuntak confirmed on May 5.
Assault Report Sparked Widespread Public Attention
The criminal case originated in August 2024, when a 21-year-old female employee reported Candro for sexual harassment and indecent acts involving threats of violence. The abuse allegedly occurred at the workplace, including inside the restaurant and in the staff restroom. After filing the report, the victim’s case gained traction on social media, especially after police issued a DPO.
Candro’s managerial role in a well-known Tanjungpinang restaurant drew criticism, fueling concerns over abuse of power and safety in the hospitality industry.
Capture Conducted Without Resistance
The arrest took place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, after police received a tip about Candro’s whereabouts. Tanjungpinang Police Chief Kombes Pol Hamam Wahyudi confirmed that the operation was swift and the suspect did not resist. “He was apprehended peacefully. He had been on the DPO since March,” Wahyudi said.
Candro was immediately transported back to Tanjungpinang by ferry, where he is now undergoing intensive interrogation at the Criminal Investigation Unit.
Police have officially charged Candro under Article 289 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) for committing indecent acts with force and Article 6(b) of Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes. These charges carry a maximum prison sentence of nine years.
Investigators stated that they are gathering more evidence and will continue to monitor any additional testimonies from related parties. His legal process is ongoing, and authorities have pledged full commitment to upholding justice.
The Tanjungpinang Police emphasized that the case will be pursued until completion, aligning with Indonesia’s growing focus on addressing gender-based violence in the workplace. Public demand for justice in such cases has increased in recent years, pushing law enforcement to act decisively and transparently.
This arrest also reflects the coordination between jurisdictions such as Tanjungpinang and Batam, ensuring fugitives do not evade legal consequences simply by crossing city lines.
The arrest of Candro Maikel in Batam sends a strong signal about Indonesia’s evolving commitment to addressing workplace sexual violence. As legal proceedings continue in Tanjungpinang, the case underscores the importance of transparent investigations and cross-provincial cooperation. It also raises awareness about employer accountability and victim protection, issues that remain deeply relevant across Southeast Asia’s labor sectors.
Sources: Media Indonesia (2025), Go West (2025)
Keywords: Sexual Assault Arrest, Tanjungpinang Fugitive, Batam Mall Supervisor, Police Capture Candro, Legal Case Indonesia
