Nenah, Indonesian Migrant Worker from Majalengka, Faces Death Penalty in UAE; Family Appeals to President Prabowo

MAJALENGKA, KOMPAS.com - Nenah Arsinah (43), an Indonesian Migrant Worker (PMI) from Blok Selasa Cikokoro, Ranji Wetan Village, Kasokandel District, Majalengka Regency, West Java, has been imprisoned in Sharjah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for nearly 12 years.

She became entangled in a murder case dating back to 2014. Yet, to this day, her family firmly believes that Nenah never committed the act.

The latest news the family received indicates that Nenah is facing the death penalty. This situation continues to fill her family back home with anxiety and they hope for serious intervention from the Indonesian government.

How did Nenah's case begin?

The case started in 2014 when Nenah had been working in Dubai since 2011. In July 2014, she received tragic news from home that her mother had passed away.

This information came through social media, prompting Nenah to decide to return to Indonesia.

“In 2014, specifically on July 28, my mother died. My sibling got the news via Facebook. He said, ‘Mother has passed, right?’ I replied, ‘Yes.’ Then he cried on the phone and wanted to come home,” said Dede Kartalim (37), Nenah’s younger brother.

Nenah then took one month off to return to Majalengka. After her leave ended, she insisted on returning to work in Dubai, despite the family’s objections due to concerns over her employer’s treatment.

In September 2014, the family accompanied Nenah to Soekarno-Hatta Airport. This was their last meeting before the legal troubles began.

What happened after Nenah returned to Dubai?

About a month after returning, Nenah informed her family that she found her employer’s driver, an Indian migrant worker, dead in a room.

“She said, ‘One morning I knocked on the door but there was no answer. When I opened it, he was lying still.’ My sister didn’t dare touch him, just looked and reported it to the employer,” Dede explained.

Initially, the local police only evacuated the body, and Nenah was considered a witness. But days later, the situation abruptly changed. Nenah and a Filipino coworker were arrested and charged with murder.

Why does the family find this case suspicious?

KOMPAS.com/HANDHIKA RAHMAN Nenah’s father, Astawi (left), and brother, Dede Kartalim (37), showing a photo of Nenah Arsinah (43), an Indonesian Migrant Worker (PMI) now facing the death penalty in Dubai, during an interview at their residence in Blok Selasa Cikokoro, Ranji Wetan Village, Kasokandel District, Majalengka Regency, West Java, Saturday (19/9/2026).

Nenah’s family believes the legal process has been irregular. Nenah maintains she did not commit murder and only found the victim already deceased.

According to the family, Nenah was pressured by authorities to confess to a crime she did not commit.

“They said she was pressured by the police there to admit that she was the one who killed the driver,” said Dede.

The family also questioned the evidence used in the case. Reportedly, the victim died by strangulation, but no fingerprints belonging to Nenah or her coworker were found on the victim’s body.

What obstacles have they faced in the legal process?

The legal process since 2014 has been prolonged. The court once offered a release option requiring Nenah to meet the victim’s family in India to apologize and have the charges dropped.

However, this condition is difficult to fulfill since Nenah remains imprisoned and has no access to the victim’s family.

“The court said, according to my sister, ‘You should meet the victim’s family and ask them to withdraw the charges.’ But my sister said, ‘How can I find them? I’m in prison and can’t go to India,’” Dede said.

This situation complicated efforts for Nenah’s release and lengthened her detention.

What is the latest development in the case?

The family recently learned that Nenah was sentenced to death based on the prosecution's claim in the local court.

The Indonesian government reportedly made some advocacy efforts and filed an appeal.

“The ministry from Jakarta once came here. They said the case would be processed. Nenah is still being worked on. She has been sentenced to death according to the prosecution’s demand in the local court. But the Indonesian side filed an appeal,” said Dede.

Nevertheless, the family hopes the assistance efforts will not stop and will be pursued until there is a legal resolution that favors justice.

Aside from facing the death penalty, Nenah’s health is said to be deteriorating.

In the last video call, Nenah shared that she has undergone three surgeries due to liver swelling and heart problems.

“My sister’s suffering is heartbreaking. We hope she can be freed and return home soon. It’s painful seeing her sick over there,” Dede said.

What are the family’s hopes from the government?

Nenah’s family implores that the Indonesian government, from local to central authorities, pay serious attention to this case.

They want tangible efforts in providing legal assistance and protection for Nenah as an Indonesian citizen.

Dede, on behalf of the family, voiced his appeal directly to several officials.

“I earnestly ask the regional government, the subdistrict head, the regent, the West Java Governor, and especially President Prabowo Subianto, please help to investigate this matter,” he said.

The family hopes for concrete actions that can open pathways to justice, including a possible release or at least a reduced sentence for Nenah.

Part of this article previously appeared on Kompas.com with the title "Nenah Faces Death Penalty in Dubai, Family in Majalengka Appeals for Government Assistance".