KPAI Suggests Suspected Child Murderer Not Be Placed in Prison

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) opined the girl who was named as the suspect in a recent child murder case in Sawah Besar should receive medical treatment and therapy as opposed to a jail sentence.

“Rehabilitation will be a more appropriate [sentence],” KPAI Commissioner Putu Elvina told Tempo on Monday, March 9.

According to Putu, even though institution-based rehabilitation sites exist in the Children's Criminal Justice System, namely a social welfare management agency (LPKS), its facilities and infrastructure are inadequate to carry out therapies for immoral actions committed by the young woman.

“The treatment and rehabilitation can be provided under coordination with the Ministry of Health, especially the rehabilitation facilities and specific therapies for cases like this,” she added.

Putu elaborated that a juvenile detention was not the right place for the young suspect since there was no facility for the rehabilitation of certain crimes, including for this suspected child murderer, who is reportedly into horror anime films.

“There are no therapists, counselors, and psychologists in juvenile detention centers,” the KPAI Commissioner remarked.

Previously reported, the 14-year old girl admitted to murdering her 5-year-old neighbor to the police last Thursday. The murder took place at the suspect’s house in Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta. 

M YUSUF MANURUNG