Toddler in Padang Tortured by Biological Father for a Month, Suffers Burns and Physical Injuries

Police have initiated criminal proceedings against a father who brutally abused his biological child for about a month before the case came to light. The perpetrator was arrested on Saturday and has since been named a suspect following intensive interrogation, according to the Head of Criminal Investigation at Padang City Police, Commissioner M. Yasin, on Monday, 18 May 2026.

The suspect, identified by the initials RD, 29, is currently being held in detention at the Padang Barat Police Sector. RD faces charges under the Child Protection Act, the Law on the Elimination of Domestic Violence, and criminal assault under the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP).

The investigation is being conducted by the Crime and Violence Unit as well as the Women and Children Service Unit of the Padang City Police. The physical abuse resulted in the victim, a child under five, suffering bruises across various parts of the body, redness around the eyes, bite marks, burns from hot water, and bruising to the genital area.

Commissioner Yasin stated that the police are focusing not only on legal action against the suspect but also on the recovery of the victim. The child is currently receiving medical treatment at the Bhayangkara Hospital of the West Sumatra Regional Police. Authorities also plan to provide trauma healing for the child, recognising the profound psychological impact of the abuse.

The investigation revealed that the violence had been ongoing for nearly a month. The case remained hidden because the child’s mother was too intimidated to speak out, having also been subjected to violence and threats from the perpetrator to prevent her from informing others. The abuse was finally uncovered after neighbours heard the child’s cries and contacted the National Police 24-hour emergency service (110), prompting an immediate response from local officers.