The alleged assault case involving Rien Wartia Trigina, also known as Erin, the former wife of celebrity Andre Taulany, has taken a significant turn. Herawati, her domestic worker (ART), has now detailed the physical violence she reportedly endured, following a clarification session at the South Jakarta Police on Monday, May 4.
The incident reportedly began on April 28, around 3:00 PM WIB, stemming from a seemingly minor household chore issue on the second floor of her employer’s residence. Herawati recounted that Erin’s anger was ignited by the position of a curtain and the bathroom door of one of her children, which were not as she desired. “Ms. Erin went upstairs, saw the curtain wasn’t open, and Mas Dio’s bathroom door wasn’t closed. That’s when she got angry,” Herawati recalled.
According to Herawati, Erin allegedly seized a broomstick Herawati was holding and struck her on the back of her head. The violence, however, did not stop at physical blows. Herawati claims she was subjected to deeply hurtful verbal attacks. “She cursed at me, saying, ‘You work carelessly, you’re stupid, you’re an idiot.’ She added, ‘Don’t you know this is a luxurious house, not like your pauper’s home’,” Herawati revealed, mimicking Erin’s words. Despite Herawati’s pleas for Erin to refrain from physical violence, the alleged assault continued.
“I said, ‘Please don’t use your hands, ma’am, don’t be violent, it hurts.’ Then she grabbed the broom again, swiped it, and hit me again on the back of my head,” Herawati recounted. The violence reportedly escalated that evening when Herawati claims she was kicked while squatting in front of her employer. “My head was kicked. I was squatting in front of her, and she kicked my head. It happened when she was wearing her prayer veil for the Asr prayer, she kicked me. I fell backward in front of her,” Herawati elaborated. Herawati noted that while verbal abuse was common during her less than one month of employment, this was the first time she experienced physical violence.
Response from Erin’s Domestic Worker Agency
Nia, representing the agency that placed Herawati with Erin, also provided testimony regarding the night Herawati was retrieved from the house. Nia stated that during the retrieval, some of Herawati’s belongings were confiscated. “There was no confinement, just confiscation of items. My phone, clothes, ID card are still there, and my salary hasn’t been paid until now,” Nia asserted.
Nia further refuted Erin’s claim that compensation had been provided. According to Nia, Erin showed no good faith, despite police involvement from the initial retrieval. “She has shown no good faith, even to this day. She filed a report against me with the police, even though I came that night in good faith to pick up my worker,” Nia emphasized.
As a direct consequence of the incident, Herawati continues to experience physical and psychological distress. She feels traumatized and reluctant to return to work anytime soon. “My head aches, I feel dizzy, and the scratches sting, so I need rest. I am still traumatized,” Herawati concluded.
Domestic Worker Fields 20 Questions During Clarification
During her appearance, Herawati attended a clarification session with investigators from the South Jakarta Metro Police. Accompanied by her legal counsel, Natalius Bangun, Herawati affirmed that the clarification process proceeded smoothly. Her lawyer disclosed that investigators posed dozens of questions. “She provided her statements regarding the incident. If I recall correctly, there were about 20 questions,” Natalius Bangun stated.
The questions primarily focused on thoroughly detailing the chronology of the events reported by Herawati. The complainant’s legal team underscored that they had presented specific facts related to the incident. “It was merely a clarification concerning the alleged assault reportedly committed by the accused, pertaining to the chronology of events we reported,” Natalius clarified. Regarding medical evidence, Natalius explained that the results of the visum (medical examination report) are still undergoing hospital administration. This medical report is crucial for strengthening Herawati’s police report. “The visum has not yet been submitted by the hospital to the investigators. We also confirmed earlier that it hasn’t been submitted. Further coordination will be undertaken regarding the visum,” Natalius added.
Former Domestic Worker’s Side Responds to Erin’s Denial
In response to Erin’s denial of any assault, Herawati’s legal team remained composed. Natalius stated that denying allegations is a right of every reported party. “The accused has the right to deny. It will then be up to the investigators to prove whether the elements of our report are met or not,” Natalius affirmed.
Beyond oral testimony, Herawati’s legal team is also relying on other evidence, specifically CCTV footage from the location of the incident. Herawati is confident that the surveillance cameras recorded what transpired on the second floor of the house. “Yes, there is CCTV there. It was just me and her when I was hit,” Herawati confirmed, adding to Natalius’s statement.
During this investigation, the legal counsel also mentioned that the applicable article concerns minor assault. “It’s a minor assault charge, Article 466 of the Criminal Code Law No. 1 of 2023 on the New Criminal Code, ordinary criminal assault, with a maximum prison sentence of 2 years and 6 months,” Natalius elaborated.
The dispute between Erin and her domestic worker captured public attention after Herawati reported the alleged physical abuse, which reportedly occurred on April 28, to the South Jakarta Metro Police. Shortly thereafter, Erin filed a counter-report for alleged defamation and slander with the same police department. Both reports are currently progressing and are under police investigation.
Summary
Herawati, a former domestic worker for Rien Wartia Trig