Uproar Over Attempted Child Abduction at Maguwoharjo Mosque in Sleman
A viral social media uproar has erupted over an attempted child abduction in the vicinity of Masjid Nurul Fallah, Maguwoharjo, Sleman, on the evening of 14 March 2026. Police are investigating the incident, which gained traction through an account on the X platform (@merapi_uncover). According to reports, the alleged abduction was perpetrated by five individuals.
The account provided a detailed chronology: the incident occurred at approximately 18:20 (6:20 PM) West Indonesian Time, shortly after Qur’anic school (TPQ) students had completed evening prayers and broken their fast. The victim, a nine-year-old girl, was approached by unknown individuals who engaged her in conversation. According to reports from the local neighbourhood watch (Jagawarga), the victim was briefly led into a black minibus. Fortunately, she quickly resisted the abduction attempt.
The child fought back and screamed for help from passers-by near the vehicle. As the situation began attracting public attention, the perpetrators released her and fled in the minibus.
According to the account, the perpetrators were not local residents. They are suspected to have spent several days attending breaking of fast meals and evening prayers at Masjid Nurul Fallah to monitor the situation. The organised group allegedly divided responsibilities as follows: two individuals operated the black minibus (executors), two others were stationed on motorcycles monitoring the southern car park, and one additional person rode a separate motorcycle monitoring the northern side of the mosque.
Despite the traumatic experience, the victim was reported to be unharmed and in good health. Community members, through the neighbourhood watch system, have increased vigilance to prevent recurrence. Residents have been urged to exercise stricter supervision of children, particularly in public spaces and during prayer times, and to immediately report any suspicious movements by strangers in the vicinity.
When contacted for confirmation, the Police Chief of East Depok (Kapolsek Depok Timur), Brigadier Agus Setyo Pambudi, confirmed that his team was investigating the alleged abduction. “We are currently in the investigation process,” he stated. Similar remarks were made by the Public Relations Chief of Sleman Regional Police (Polresta Sleman), First Inspector Salamun, indicating that the investigating unit has begun preliminary work and that an official report is pending.