PDIP Highlights Abuse of Toddler in Surabaya by Uncle and Aunt, Raises Questions About State's Role
A member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian Parliament representing the PDIP faction, Selly Andriany Gantina, has criticised the case of a four-year-old child identified as KRN in the Lakarsantri district of Surabaya who was tortured by her uncle and aunt until she was shaved bald and fed cat food. Selly has demanded severe punishment for the perpetrators.
“As mandated by the Chairman of Parliament, Ibu Puan Maharani, deterrent measures must be applied, and maximum penalties must be imposed on the husband-and-wife suspects in accordance with Law No. 23 of 2002 as amended by Law No. 35 of 2014 on Child Protection,” Selly stated when contacted on Sunday (29 February 2026).
Selly stated that the case is not merely a criminal act but rather demonstrates the weakness of the child protection system. She also highlighted cases of crimes involving minors.
“In particular, I see that this case of child abuse is not merely an individual criminal incident. It reflects deficiencies in the child protection system and the importance of child rights education as well as oversight of childcare situations within families,” she said.
“What has occurred today demonstrates that the state has failed to provide security for children, and it appears to showcase a loss of humanity,” she added.
She requested that the case be investigated swiftly and transparently. She also called for the victim to receive psychological support following the abuse.
“Whilst the investigation is conducted swiftly and transparently, I am requesting that intensive psychological support be provided to the victim through both government and community channels,” she added.
According to detikJatim, the four-year-old child KRN in Lakarsantri, Surabaya was tortured by her uncle and aunt, Ufa Fahrul Agusti (30) and Sellyna Adika Wahyuni (26), for two months. The victim was shaved bald and fed cat food, resulting in trauma. The two perpetrators have now been arrested by police.