​Woman drowns in Ancol while undergoing “seawater therapy”

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Police say a 42-year-old woman from Bekasi, identified by the initials LW, was accidentally drowned by an acquaintance, NP, at Ancol Beach Lagoon in Ancol, North Jakarta, on Monday.

“NP is suspected of intentionally taking the life of a woman with initials LW while administering seawater therapy,” said police spokesperson Sungkono yesterday as quoted by Kompas.

Sungkono said LW had been under the care of NP for the last few weeks. Acquaintances said LW had been suffering from neurological diseases due to stress. Of her own initiative, NP offered to cure LW. Although NP did not have any formal education, she said she could treat LW through alternative medicine.

“Specifically, by immersing the victim’s head below the surface of the sea for a certain period of time,” Sungkono said.

After arriving at Ancol on Monday, NP was seen repeatedly holding LW underwater. A lifeguard on the scene saw what was happening and reprimanded LW, but after being told it was a form of therapy, the lifeguard left them alone. 

Eventually LW became limp and unconscious. NP panicked and took the victim to Sulianto Saroso Hospital, but it was already too late. LW died on the way to the hospital. 

The results of the forensic autopsy showed that the victim died due to lack of oxygen. In also showed her lungs were filled with water and sea sand. 

NP, who is currently in police custody, told officers she never meant to take LW’s life. Nevertheless, she has been charged with criminal negligence resulting in death, which carries a possible maximum sentence of five years in prison.



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