Stepmother in Bekasi Tortures Toddler Out of Spite, Initially Claimed Child Fell
Police have uncovered the motive behind a woman in Tarumajaya, Bekasi Regency, identified as DM (19), who abused her four-year-old stepdaughter, leaving the child with multiple injuries. The abuse was driven by pent-up resentment.
“The act was triggered by DM’s resentment towards remarks made by her husband and his family, which she then took out on the victim. Investigators are continuing to probe the motive and all statements related to this case,” said the Acting Chief of Metro Bekasi Police, Commissioner Ikhlas Putro Wasono, in a statement on Tuesday (14/7/2026).
When questioned by police, the perpetrator claimed the abuse was carried out to discipline the victim. She even initially lied that the child’s injuries were the result of a fall.
“DM previously claimed the victim was injured after slipping in the bathroom. However, medical staff found a number of wounds deemed inconsistent with that account and reported the case to the Bekasi Regency Child Protection Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD PPA) and Tarumajaya Police,” Ikhlas explained.
Ikhlas revealed that the perpetrator struck the victim with a water ladle, pinched her, and injured parts of her body using a toothbrush. As a result, the child suffered numerous injuries.
“The preliminary medical examination found bruising on the victim’s back, chest, face and abdomen, as well as abrasions and burns on her buttocks,” he said.
The abuse took place at a rented house in Segara Makmur Village, Tarumajaya District, Bekasi Regency, West Java. The case came to light after the Bekasi Regency UPTD PPA reported that the victim was undergoing intensive care in the PICU of Koja Regional General Hospital in North Jakarta, in an unconscious condition.
DM has been 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 Rp 100 million.