Driver Who Struck Indonesian Child in Singapore Released on Bail, Foreign Ministry Responds
The driver who struck an Indonesian mother and child in Singapore has been released on bail. Nevertheless, the driver’s status as a suspect in the accident remains unchanged.
As reported by CNA on Wednesday (18/2/2026), the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) said they understood that the driver had been released on bail, as this is in accordance with Singaporean legal procedures.
However, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed that the investigation into the case is still ongoing. They have not yet disclosed the extent to which the case has been handled.
The embassy has also arranged a lawyer for the family who is acting on a pro-bono basis.
“So there are no legal costs,” said KBRI Singapore spokesperson and Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas Ardian Siregar.
Thomas said the current priority is assisting the victim’s father, Ashar Ardianto, in dealing with the situation. Meanwhile, his wife, who was also a victim in the incident, is gradually recovering.
Ashar’s wife, Raisha Anindra Pascasiswi, is currently being treated in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Her condition has improved to the point where she can communicate, although she remains weak due to the severe injuries she sustained and must continue receiving intensive care.
The embassy has also arranged accommodation for Ashar during his stay in Singapore to be by his wife’s side. Thomas mentioned that Ashar is currently staying at the Ambassador’s Residence (Wisma Duta) after Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Hotmangaradja Pandjaitan agreed to host him.
“For now, Mr Ashar is staying at the Ambassador’s Residence… while awaiting his wife’s treatment at the hospital,” he said.
“Physically, he appears to be fine. But emotionally, he is clearly very shaken,” Thomas said, adding that Ashar sometimes falls silent in the middle of conversations.
“Psychologically, this incident is still very difficult for him to accept,” he added.
Ashar’s six-year-old child died as a result of the accident. The child’s remains have been laid to rest at the Tanah Kusir Public Cemetery in South Jakarta.
Foreign Ministry Explains Singaporean Law
In response, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also spoken out. The ministry stated that although the suspect is not being detained, their suspect status remains in effect.
“The driver’s current status is that of a suspect. However, under Singaporean law, a suspect is permitted to apply for release on bail, on the condition that they do not leave Singapore’s jurisdiction and remain available for summons at any time,” said Acting Director General for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Foreign Ministry, Heni Hamidah, when contacted separately.
Heni confirmed that the Singapore Police Force is still conducting a thorough investigation. She said that throughout the process, the suspect is required to comply with the applicable legal proceedings.
“In this regard, the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore continues to coordinate and oversee the investigation process being conducted by the authorities in Singapore. The embassy is also providing a lawyer to offer legal assistance to the Indonesian victim’s family,” Heni said.