Fact Check: Three-Year-Old Child in Central Lombok Becomes Victim of Kidnapping

Central Lombok, VIVA – The Central Lombok Police Resort (Polres), part of the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional Police, has stated that the rumour circulating on social media regarding an alleged attempted child kidnapping in Batunyala Village, Praya Tengah Subdistrict, is unproven information or a hoax. “We confirmed this after personnel from the Praya Tengah Police Sector gathered statements and conducted direct checks in the field,” said the Head of Public Relations for Central Lombok Polres, Iptu Lalu Brata Kusnadi, in Praya on Thursday. He explained that the information originated from a social media post on Tuesday, 5 May, about an alleged attempted child kidnapping in Majan Hamlet, Batunyala Village. The post claimed the source was a WhatsApp group for teachers and parents in Batunyala Village. The narrative then spread widely, causing public anxiety. “After gathering statements and direct field checks, the information about the alleged child kidnapping has been confirmed as untrue,” he stated. Based on the police investigation, the actual incident occurred on Monday, 4 May, around 12:00 WITA. At that time, a resident of Penyambung Village named Ibu Ita left her home to buy credit at a kiosk about 100 metres away. Her child, named Rayanza (3), who had been at home, followed her out while crying. “Seeing a small child walking alone on the road while crying, a nearby resident tried to help by inviting the child to catch up with his mother,” he said. However, because the child kept crying, the resident, along with several other locals, took the initiative to secure the toddler at a neighbourhood shop owned by Ibu Yani to prevent any unwanted incidents. Shortly after, the child’s father, Suhaili, who had just returned from work, saw his son in the midst of a crowd of residents. He immediately picked him up and took him home. The Head of Majan Hamlet, Amin, when questioned by the police, also confirmed that the child kidnapping rumour circulating on social media did not occur. The police regret the circulation of unverified information, as it can trigger panic in the community and potentially disrupt public security and order (kamtibmas).