“This is another heartbreaking tragedy. Every child’s life is valuable. No child should become a victim of violence,” said Minister Arifah Fauzi on Sunday, calling the incident a collective failure in child protection.
The Ministry pledged to reinforce its grassroots programs, including the Ruang Bersama Indonesia (RBI) initiative and Family Learning Centers (Puspaga), to strengthen early protection measures for children.
“To the victim’s family, especially her parents, we offer our deepest condolences and apologize for the shortcomings in protecting children in the area,” Arifah said.
She emphasized the need for stronger community-based safeguards.
“We will continue improving the child protection system from village and urban ward levels through RBI, our local offices, Puspaga, and Integrated Child Protection Units (UPTD PPA).”
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Police in East Kolaka have arrested and charged the suspect, identified as 18-year-old RH, a neighbor of the victim.
The suspect faces multiple charges, including Article 80(3) in conjunction with Article 76C of the Child Protection Law No. 35/2014, carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 3 billion.
He is also charged under Article 338 of the Criminal Code for murder (15-year maximum) and Article 351(3) for assault causing death (7-year maximum).
The incident occurred on September 5, when the victim, identified as MA, was biking with her younger sibling to a Quranic class.
She was intercepted and attacked by RH. Nearby witnesses attempted to intervene and took MA to East Kolaka General Hospital, but she died from her injuries.
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Translator: Anita, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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