Four-Year-Old in Bekasi Allegedly Abused by Stepmother, Suffers Injuries Across Body

The Criminal Investigation Unit of Tarumajaya Police, Bekasi Metropolitan Police, has uncovered a case of alleged violence against a four-year-old girl. Police arrested a woman with the initials DM, 19, who is the victim’s stepmother. DM is suspected of repeatedly abusing the victim, identified as QSH, from May until early July 2026. The case was handled based on a police report dated 9 July 2026, according to Acting Bekasi Metropolitan Police Chief Commissioner Ikhlas Putro Wasono on Monday (13/7/2026). The abuse took place in a rented house in Segara Makmur Village, Tarumajaya District, Bekasi Regency, West Java. The case came to light after the Bekasi Regency Women’s and Children’s Protection Unit (UPTD PPA) reported that the victim was receiving intensive care in the PICU of Koja Regional Hospital, North Jakarta, in an unconscious state. Personnel from the Tarumajaya Police Criminal Investigation Unit immediately went to the hospital and found several injuries on the victim’s body that were deemed unnatural. Preliminary medical examination results showed bruises on the back, chest, face, and stomach, as well as abrasions and burns on the victim’s buttocks. Based on initial questioning, DM allegedly committed the violence under the pretext of disciplining the victim. The abuse is suspected to have involved hitting the child with a water dipper, pinching, and injuring parts of the victim’s body using a toothbrush. DM initially claimed the victim’s injuries were caused by slipping in the bathroom. However, medical staff found the injuries inconsistent with that account and reported the matter to the Bekasi Regency UPTD PPA and the Tarumajaya Police. Police suspect the acts were triggered by DM’s resentment towards her husband and his family, which she then took out on the victim. Investigators are continuing to probe the motive and all related statements. The victim was living with DM and a one-year-old stepsibling. The victim’s biological father works abroad and, based on preliminary examination, was unaware of the alleged abuse. During the investigation, police seized evidence including a green water dipper, a blue child’s toothbrush, the suspect’s clothing, and the preliminary medical report from Koja Hospital. Police have also questioned the complainant, the victim’s older sibling, grandmother, and several other related parties. Coordination with the Office of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (DP3A) and the UPTD PPA of Bekasi Regency is ongoing to ensure the victim receives medical care, psychological support, and protection. DM is charged under Article 76C in conjunction with Article 80 of Law Number 35 of 2014 on Child Protection. If the violence results in serious injury, the perpetrator faces a maximum prison sentence of five years and/or a fine of up to Rp100 million. The sentence can be increased by one-third if the violence is committed by a parent, including a stepparent, the police official stated. He emphasised that the investigation is being conducted professionally, transparently, and fairly while upholding the presumption of innocence. The public is urged to increase awareness of children’s conditions in their surroundings and to immediately report any suspected physical, psychological, or sexual violence, or neglect. Reports can be made through the Police Service Line 110 or the Bekasi Metropolitan Police Call Centre at 0811-1939-110. ‘Protect children from all forms of violence. The courage to report can save their future,’ he appealed.