Child Dies from Suspected Abuse by Stepmother in Sukabumi, KPAI Demands Swift Legal Action

Jakarta, VIVA – A boy with the initials NS (12), from Bojongsari Village, Jampangkulon District, Sukabumi Regency, West Java, has died from suspected abuse by his stepmother.

The victim was found dead with bruises and burn marks on his body.

The victim normally resided at a pesantren (Islamic boarding school). However, at the time of the incident, he was on leave to prepare for the beginning of the fasting month with his family.

The victim’s father, who was working in Sukabumi City at the time, received a phone call from his wife asking him to return home immediately, claiming the boy had fallen ill.

Upon arriving home, the father rushed the victim to Jampang Kulon Hospital for medical treatment.

Tragically, the victim ultimately drew his last breath at the hospital.

In response to the case, the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) strongly condemned the alleged brutal abuse carried out by the stepmother against the child.

KPAI has called for law enforcement authorities to initiate legal proceedings immediately.

“KPAI demands a swift legal process,” said KPAI member Diyah Puspitarini, as quoted by ANTARA on Sunday, 22 February 2026.

The case is currently under investigation by the Sukabumi District Police.

KPAI has also urged that the suspected perpetrator receive the maximum penalty in accordance with Law No. 35 of 2014 on Child Protection.

“KPAI is focusing on the application of Article 59A of the Child Protection Act, which stipulates that legal proceedings for child victims of filicide must be expedited to clearly establish the cause of death, and the child must receive legal protection. The perpetrator must be charged under Articles 76C and 80 with the maximum penalty, and because the perpetrator is a parent, an additional one-third of the maximum sentence must be imposed,” said Diyah Puspitarini.