Police arrest man who molested two underage stepchildren

JAKARTA — Police have arrested a man identified as AJ (47) for allegedly molesting his two underage stepchildren, according to the North Jakarta Metropolitan Police.

The abuse occurred in the early hours of May 18, 2026, at the suspect’s residence. Ni Luh Sri Arsini, head of the Women and Child Crime Unit and Anti-Trafficking Unit (PPA-PPO) of North Jakarta Metropolitan Police, stated that the perpetrator targeted two stepdaughters aged 10 and 12, starting when they were nine years old, and the assaults occurred repeatedly.

The suspect was handed over to the PPA-PPO unit on Sunday (May 24) evening. Sri added that the victim’s mother had been summoned but had not yet appeared. During interrogation, the suspect claimed the acts were done “as a joke or for fun.”

The incident came to light after the youngest victim, NFO (10), reported the abuse to her eldest sister on May 20. The sister then reported it to police on May 22. A similar incident was also reported by the fourth child, who said she was molested by the stepfather in 2024.

Sri confirmed the suspect faces charges under Article 473 of Indonesia’s 2023 Criminal Code for rape and Article 418 for molestation, carrying a potential 12-year prison sentence.