Children share sadness, sympathy over Engeline's case

Indonesian children are expressing sadness and sympathy over the murder of Engeline Margret Megawe, 8, which has drawn public attention from across the country since last week

The Jakarta Post

Jakarta

Mon, June 15, 2015 Published on Jun. 15, 2015 Published on 2015-06-15T17:44:55+07:00

Children share sadness, sympathy over Engeline's case

Indonesian children are expressing sadness and sympathy over the murder of Engeline Margret Megawe, 8, which has drawn public attention from across the country since last week.

Nathan, 13, a junior high school student, said he was sickened by the excessive violence allegedly imposed to Engeline by her closest people.

Nathan admitted it was quite difficult to detect children who had become victims of violence.

"I don't think we would know. The kids usually don't want to talk. Who would help? The kids are on their own in their house," he said.

Another child, Putra, 9, thought that the media has blown the case out of proportion.

"I think the coverage is too much. It is repeated over and over again in the news. It's just one kid! What about other children who died in natural disasters and other dying kids?" he said.

The case gained attention with the discovery on Wednesday of Engeline's decayed body buried in the backyard of her adoptive mother's house, almost one month after the girl was declared missing by her adoptive family.

The police have arrested Engeline's adoptive mother, Margriet, on suspicion of having neglected the elementary school student.

The police have also named domestic helper Agustinus Tai Hamdamai a suspect, following his apparent confession on Saturday that Margriet promised to give him Rp 2 billion (US$149,000) if he would kill Engeline. (fsu/ebf)

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Chronology of violence against Engeline

Story behind murdered child Angeline's adoption

Angeline's death should be avenged by death penalty, lawmaker says

Police arrest Angeline murder suspect