Couple in Riau Allegedly Beat Children and Grandchild Over Insufficient Begging Earnings

A married couple with the initials MM (46) and SM (32) in Pelalawan Regency, Riau, are suspected of exploiting their children and grandchild as ‘manusia silver’ (human statue) beggars. The victims were frequently threatened and beaten if their begging takings fell short of the target.

“The granddaughter, PW (9), was afraid to go home because she would usually be beaten by her grandmother if she did not reach the target,” said Pangkalan Kerinci Police Chief AKP Shilton in a statement on Saturday (13/6/2026).

Shilton explained that the case came to light after police received a public report about three children causing a commotion in front of a shopping centre in Pangkalan Kerinci on Friday (12/6) evening. Upon receiving the information, the police chief and his team went to the location.

The three children consisted of two boys, identified as MH (11) and RA (9), and one girl, PW (9). MH and RA are the children of the couple MM and SM, while PW is their grandchild.

“The victim, PW, was being pulled by RA to go home, but PW refused because she was afraid. She said that if she went home, she would be beaten because her takings were insufficient,” he explained.

“These children were ordered to hand over Rp500,000 a day. If they did not reach the target, they were beaten,” he continued.

Police subsequently detained MM and SM at their home. Both perpetrators are currently being examined at the Pangkalan Kerinci Police Station.

“We are still investigating PW’s status, as she is not listed in the family card. They claim the victim is their grandchild, but we are looking into it further,” he clarified.