Teen Missing Since 2003 Found in 'Gap Between Rocks'

She had allegedly been held captive by an Indonesian shaman named Jago
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 7, 2018 2:32 PM CDT
Updated Aug 12, 2018 3:00 PM CDT
Woman Missing 15 Years Found in 'Gap Between Rocks'
A stock photo of rocks.   (Getty Images/JessieEldora)

Officials in Indonesia have reportedly found a woman who went missing as a 13-year-old in 2003—held in a cave-like space under the control of an 83-year-old shaman. The BBC reports on the allegations, which date back 15 years to when the then-teen's family took her to a man named Jago for an unspecified treatment and left her in his care. Jago allegedly told the family the girl, identified by the Jakarta Post as HS, left for Jakarta to find work later that year; they searched for her fruitlessly. But a tip led police to Galumpang in central Sulawesi, where they say they found the now-28-year-old living in what the BBC describes as a cave near Jago's home that was outfitted with a few items of furniture. The Post paints a cruder picture, framing it as a "hole" and a "crevice between several very large rocks."

"We found the victim in a gap between rocks," says a local police rep. Officials say she was too fearful to flee because of a spirit, or "jin." The BBC reports Jago allegedly convinced her she was possessed by one; the Post describes him as telling her the hole was being guarded by one. Either way, both reports describe her as "brainwashed." Jago is accused of raping her throughout her captivity and faces as many as 15 years in prison if convicted; further charges may be filed. In a truly bizarre twist, the Post reports police learned of HS' whereabouts from a neighbor of Jago's son—who is married to the sister of HS, who allegedly knew where her sister was and argued with her husband about it; the neighbor allegedly heard their argument and informed police. (More captives stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X