Reni Rahmawati, an Indonesian from Sukabumi victimized by a mail-order bride scheme in China, will return home after her official divorce. Indonesian Consul General in Guangzhou, Ben Perkasa Drajat, confirmed the repatriation arrangements through coordination with local authorities. She is scheduled to arrive in Bandung on November 18, 2025.
Reni Rahmawati, 24, arrived in China on May 18, 2025, after accepting a job offer paying Rp15–20 million per month via social media. However, on May 20, 2025, she was forced into an official marriage with Tu Chao Cai, an entrepreneur from Yongchun, Quanzhou, Fujian Province. This was a mail-order bride scheme, marrying Indonesian women to Chinese men through agents for payment.
The case surfaced on September 19, 2025, when Reni's mother, Emalia, complained to West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi in Bandung, claiming her daughter was held captive. The Indonesian Consulate General in Guangzhou (KJRI) promptly sought help from Fujian Provincial Police to locate Reni, who was found safe at her residence.
On October 10, 2025, Ben Perkasa Drajat led a meeting with Tu Chao Cai, his family, and local authorities, including Quanzhou's Foreign Affairs Office representative. Direct verification found no evidence of physical violence against Reni. Tu admitted paying 205,000 RMB (about Rp476.4 million) to the agent, but Reni received only Rp11 million from someone named Abdullah. He felt deceived as Reni was coerced into signing marriage documents and claiming two people as her parents.
The official divorce certificate was issued on November 13, 2025, per local law. On November 17, 2025, Reni was handed over to Indonesian police at KJRI Guangzhou, represented by Kompol Nirwan Fakaubun and AKP Ade Saepudin, for further proceedings. "I express my deepest thanks to the Consul General and KJRI Guangzhou staff for their efforts in my repatriation," Reni said in a written statement.
In Indonesia, Reni's family reported to West Java Police, who have detained suspects. KJRI believes the investigation will trace the funds for repayment. In 2025 alone, KJRI handled over 10 similar cases. Ben advised Indonesians to thoroughly verify potential partners and cross-border marriage procedures.