Jakarta, KOTABARI.COM – George Sugama Halim (35), the son of a bakery owner in Cakung, East Jakarta, has been officially arrested by police after assaulting his employee, identified as D (19). The case surfaced after a video recording of the assault went viral on social media. The video showed the victim being struck with a chair and other objects, resulting in serious injuries to her head.
George was apprehended at Anugrah Hotel Sukabumi, Cikole, West Java, in the early hours of Monday (16/12/2024). East Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Pol Nicolas Ary Lilipaly revealed that the arrest was carried out following information from the suspect’s family, who informed the police of his whereabouts.
“After locating the suspect, the Criminal Investigation Unit of East Jakarta Metro Police, in collaboration with Polda Metro Jaya, went directly to the hotel to bring him in,” Nicolas said during a press conference at the East Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters on Monday evening.
Suspect Cries When Presented to the Public
At the press conference, George Sugama Halim, dressed in a blue detainee uniform with handcuffs, was seen tearfully answering questions posed by police and reporters. When asked why he committed the assault, George simply replied, “I lost control,” while wiping his tears.
He also refused to explain why he instructed the victim, D, to bring food to his private room despite it being outside her duties. “No comment,” said George, shaking his head.
The Background of the Assault
The incident began when George asked D to deliver food to his private room. However, D refused because the task was not part of her responsibilities as an employee. The refusal triggered George’s anger, leading him to throw a chair at the victim. The chair struck her head and shoulders, causing serious injuries.
“Initially, the suspect asked the victim to deliver food, but she refused because it was not part of her duties. The suspect then got angry and threw a chair at the victim,” explained East Jakarta Metro Police Public Relations Officer AKP Lina Yuliana when contacted on Friday (13/12/2024).
Arrested Two Months After Report
Police Chief Kombes Nicolas Ary Lilipaly stated that the assault had been reported to the police as early as October 18, 2024. However, the investigation took time before it was elevated to the level of formal prosecution, which led to George being named as a suspect.
“The report was indeed filed on October 18, but the investigation process took several stages before advancing to prosecution. Today, the suspect is officially under our custody,” Nicolas explained.
The police also denied reports that George Sugama Halim claimed to be above the law.
“Based on statements recorded in the Investigation Report (BAP), the victim never mentioned the suspect claiming immunity from the law. So we cannot confirm such claims,” Nicolas emphasized.
Arrest Based on Family’s Request
George Sugama Halim was ultimately arrested after his own family informed the police of his location. According to Police Chief Nicolas, the family had felt under pressure and fearful following the viral circulation of the assault video on social media.
“They traveled to Sukabumi to calm themselves. The family felt threatened if they remained at their home. Based on communication between the family and investigators, we proceeded to arrest the suspect in Sukabumi,” Nicolas explained.
Potential Legal Consequences
For his actions, George Sugama Halim is now charged under Article 351 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) regarding assault. The suspect faces a maximum prison sentence of five years.
Meanwhile, the victim, identified as D, is still undergoing recovery from her injuries. Police assured that the legal process against George Sugama Halim will proceed transparently and in accordance with legal procedures.