An Indonesian police officer has been arrested after allegedly strangling his 2-month-old baby while the child was under his care.
According to Tribun Jateng, the officer, identified as Brigadier Ade Kurniawan (AK), was detained by the Central Java Regional Police and is currently facing both a criminal investigation and an internal ethics review.
Case Upgraded to Criminal Investigation
The incident was initially reported by the baby’s mother, DJP (24), earlier this month. At first, authorities treated the case as a preliminary inquiry (investigation) while gathering evidence.
However, based on findings from witness testimonies, medical reports, and the exhumation of the baby’s body, investigators upgraded the case to a criminal investigation.
“We conducted a case review on March 11 and determined that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with an official investigation,” Central Java Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Artanto said.
Police have questioned four key witnesses, including the baby’s mother, DJP’s mother, hospital staff, and AK himself.
What Happened on the Day of the Incident
The alleged incident took place on March 2, 2025, in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.
According to reports, AK, DJP, and their baby were in a car near Pasar Peterongan, a market in Semarang, Indonesia. DJP left the infant in AK’s care while she went shopping.
At around 2:30 PM, DJP entered the market. Less than 10 minutes later, she returned to the car and found her baby unresponsive, with blue lips. AK told her the child had vomited and choked.
DJP panicked and tried to wake the baby with gentle taps, but there was no response. AK also stated that he had lifted his child’s body and patted their back before the child fell asleep.
The couple then rushed the child to Roemani Hospital.
However, the baby was pronounced dead the next day, March 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM. Additionally, DJP was reportedly told by hospital staff that the cause of death was respiratory failure.
That night, March 3, 2025, the baby’s body was taken to Purbalingga, Central Java—AK’s hometown—for burial.
Suspicions Arise After AK Disappears
After the burial, AK reportedly cut off contact with DJP and her family. According to DJP’s lawyer, Alif Abdurrahman, AK’s behavior raised suspicions, leading DJP to file a police report on March 5, 2025.
Following the report, authorities exhumed the baby’s body on March 7, 2025, to determine the cause of death.
On March 10, 2025, AK was taken into custody by the Internal Affairs Division (Propam) of the Central Java Police. A day later (March 11), he was placed in special detention (patsus).
Police Investigate Strangulation Allegation
As part of their investigation, police are now searching for CCTV footage from Pasar Peterongan and Roemani Hospital to strengthen the case.
“We are trying to obtain CCTV footage as evidence because this is a suspected criminal act,” said Senior Commissioner Artanto on March 13, 2025.
While initial reports suggested the baby choked, recent reports indicate that police suspect AK strangled the baby inside the car.
However, authorities have not officially confirmed the final cause of death.
Baby’s Mother Placed Under Witness Protection
DJP, who is considered a key witness, has been placed under witness protection in cooperation with the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK).
Following this, DJP had reported intimidation attempts, but police claim the protection measure is just a precaution to ensure there are no obstacles in the investigation.
Motive Still Under Investigation, Suspect Held in Special Detention
As of now, AK’s motive remains unclear. Authorities are still gathering evidence and questioning those involved.
Senior Commissioner Artanto confirmed that AK is being held in a special detention facility for 30 days while authorities continue the investigation.
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