Police Vow Thorough Investigation into Bekasi Toddler's Death After Alleged Abuse by Stepmother

Police have confirmed they will thoroughly investigate the death of a four-year-old girl in Tarumajaya, Bekasi Regency, who died after allegedly being abused by her stepmother. The victim, identified by the initials QSH, passed away while receiving treatment at Koja Regional General Hospital.

Head of Public Relations for the Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, expressed his condolences. “The victim died 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.

Budi Hermanto stated that the victim’s body had been taken by her family for burial in Lebak, Banten. He assured that the case would be investigated to its conclusion, with the suspect currently detained at the Bekasi Regency Police headquarters.

The case came to light after the Bekasi Regency Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children informed police that the victim was undergoing intensive care in the PICU at Koja Regional General Hospital in an unconscious state. Upon checking the hospital, police found several unnatural injuries on the victim’s body.

Acting Bekasi Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Ikhlas, stated that a preliminary post-mortem examination revealed bruising on the back, chest, face, and abdomen, as well as abrasions and burns on the buttocks. Initial investigations suggest the suspect, DM, committed the violence under the pretext of disciplining the child, allegedly hitting her with a water dipper, pinching her, and injuring her body with a toothbrush.

DM initially denied the allegations, claiming the victim’s injuries resulted from slipping in the bathroom. However, medical staff found the injuries inconsistent with this account and reported the matter to the Bekasi Regency Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children and the Tarumajaya Police.

Police revealed that DM later confessed to the abuse, claiming she was motivated by resentment over remarks made by her husband and his family, which she then took out on the victim. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive and gather further statements.