Abused Bekasi Child Dies After Step Mother's Alleged Violence

A 4-year-old girl in Bekasi, Indonesia, has died following alleged abuse by her stepmother. The victim, identified by the initials QSH, had been receiving intensive care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at RSUD Koja in North Jakarta after undergoing head surgery.

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Yes, that's right (died), last night.

Police have named the 19-year-old stepmother, DM, as a suspect in the case. Authorities believe the abuse may have started as early as May. DM is being charged under Indonesia's child protection laws, specifically Article 76C in conjunction with Article 80 of Law Number 35 of 2014.

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We are still confirming (the cause of death).

The case came to light when the suspect brought the child to the hospital, claiming she had fallen in the bathroom. However, medical staff noted injuries inconsistent with that explanation and reported it to the authorities. Preliminary medical examinations revealed bruises on the victim's back, chest, face, and abdomen, as well as abrasions and burns on her buttocks.

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Based on the preliminary examination, DM allegedly committed violence on the grounds of disciplining the victim. The violence was allegedly carried out by hitting with a ladle, pinching, and injuring the victim's body with a toothbrush.

Investigators learned that DM allegedly disciplined the child by hitting her with a ladle, pinching her, and using a toothbrush on her body. Police also indicated that DM may have acted out of spite towards her husband or his family, directing her anger at the child. The victim's biological father, who works abroad, was reportedly unaware of the alleged abuse. The investigation into DM's motives and the full extent of the abuse is ongoing.

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(Allegedly) triggered by DM's hurt feelings towards her husband's words or his family's words, which were then vented on the victim. Investigators are still deeply exploring the motive and all statements in the case.