Rachel Vennya, one of Indonesia’s most renowned social media influencers, has issued a public apology after being charged for ditching mandatory COVID-19 quarantine following her return from a trip abroad.
The Jakarta Metro Police yesterday announced their charges against Rachel, her partner Salim Nauderer, and her manager Maulida Khairunnisa, as well as a military officer stationed at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport who allegedly assisted them in escaping quarantine. They were charged with certain degrees of violations of Indonesia’s Health Quarantine Law and Infectious Diseases, which can see them each imprisoned for up to one year or be given a maximum IDR100 million (US$6,956) fine.
Rachel was not placed in detention as her maximum punishment is below the five-year threshold. Her first court date has been scheduled for next Monday.
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The 26-year-old internet celebrity recently reactivated her Instagram account, which has over 6.6 million followers at the time of writing, after she shut it down following the controversy. In the fresh post below, she conveyed her “sincerest of apologies” to those who were angered and disappointed by her actions.
“I am ready to follow and undergo legal consequences due to the mistake that I’ve made. This incident has been a valuable lesson for me. I learn to be responsible and obey the regulations as a good Indonesian citizen,” Rachel wrote, adding that she promises not to repeat her actions and will learn to be a better individual in the future.
Earlier last month, Rachel, Salim, and Maulida returned from New York Fashion Week after repping an Indonesian brand at the event, along with other celebrities and influencers. According to Indonesia’s regulations at the time of their return, travelers arriving from abroad had to undergo quarantine for eight days upon arrival.
News of Rachel escaping quarantine first surfaced in mid-October courtesy of a person claiming to be an administrative officer at the COVID-19 Emergency Hospital in Wisma Atlet Pademangan, North Jakarta.
Adding fuel to the fire was the fact that Rachel and her team should not have been permitted to stay at the facility in the first place, as those who are entitled to quarantine without charge at Wisma Atlet Pademangan are Indonesian migrant workers, students, and government officials.
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