KPAI Labels Stepmother's Fatal Abuse of Toddler in Bekasi as Filicide

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) is coordinating with the police following the death of a 4-year-old child allegedly abused by her stepmother in Bekasi Regency, West Java. The commission has classified the incident as filicide, a term for extreme violence by a parent resulting in a child’s death.

“This is a case of filicide. KPAI is coordinating with the Bekasi Metropolitan Police to handle this case because the perpetrator is the stepmother,” said Diyah Puspitarini, KPAI Commissioner for Physical and Psychological Violence, to reporters on Friday (17/7/2026).

Diyah stated that maternal filicide committed by a stepmother can be triggered by several factors. She highlighted the role of parenting patterns and the stepmother’s preparedness. “Maternal filicide occurs due to a lack of support and emotional factors, compounded by economic pressures. Clearly, this involves parenting patterns and the stepmother’s readiness,” she said.

She urged that the cause of the victim’s death be promptly revealed and pushed for an autopsy to be conducted. “The right of a deceased child is to have clarity on the cause of death. It is best to perform an autopsy for a child who died under unnatural circumstances,” Diyah said.

The 4-year-old girl died while receiving treatment at a hospital after allegedly being abused by her stepmother, DM, in Tarumajaya, Kabupaten Bekasi. Police have confirmed that the case will be investigated thoroughly.

Polda Metro Jaya Head of Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, expressed his condolences over the death of the child, identified by the initials QSH. “The victim passed away last night at Koja Regional General Hospital. We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and hope they remain strong,” Budi Hermanto said in a statement on Thursday (16/7).

Budi Hermanto noted that the victim’s body had been taken by the family for burial in Lebak, Banten. He also confirmed that the perpetrator is currently detained at the Bekasi Metro Police station. “We will ensure this case is investigated thoroughly,” he added.