Child Dies in Sukabumi Amid Alleged Stepmother Abuse; Mother Urges Father to Be Prosecuted

POLRES Sukabumi is handling the death of Nizam Syafei, a child believed to have died as a result of violence by his stepmother. The victim’s biological mother, Lisnawati, through her lawyer Krisna Murti, has asked that the case not stop at charging the stepmother as the perpetrator, but that the father of the child also face legal action.

Krisna alleges that Nizam’s father, initials AS, was negligent, allowing the abuse to occur and resulting in the death. ‘If there is no protective and concrete action, this cannot be described as ordinary violence,’ Krisna said in a statement on Thursday (5 March 2026). He explained that the suspicions arise because there has been an official report since 2024 that Nizam was a victim of violence, but no concrete steps by the father to prevent harm. He argued that this contradicts the father’s legal duty to protect his child.

‘If Nizam’s father already knew about the violence, there was an official report, he understood the real risk but chose to reconcile and continue to leave the child in danger, then this condition should be seriously tested as a possible conditional intent,’ Krisna said. On this basis, Krisna urged law enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate the case, including exploring the possibility of charging other parties besides the stepmother who has already been named a suspect.

‘This case should not stop at the physical perpetrator alone; the law must be bold enough to examine structural responsibility, and if neglect occurs after reports are filed but not pursued, then what is weakened is not only a single case but public trust in child protection in this country,’ he concluded.

Earlier, Nizam Syafei died from burns across his body, reportedly due to abuse by his stepmother, TR (46). NS died at RSUD Jampangkulon hospital on Thursday (19 February). Soon after, a viral video circulated recording NS in his final moments before death. In the video, there are severe bruising to the face, particularly around the eyes which appear blue, and a large open wound on the thigh resembling burns or scald marks.

The Sukabumi Criminal Investigation Unit subsequently named TR as a suspect for alleged physical and psychological abuse. Sukabumi Police Chief AKBP Samian emphasised that the suspect designation came after investigators probed the death of Nizam. (H-4)

One trigger for the violence that claimed Nizam’s life was the failure to act on previous reports of violence. A complaints service via social media accounts including Instagram and TikTok will be received and acted upon. Ground movement in the area has affected ten households. The majority of survivors have evacuated to relatives’ homes; some are renting or leasing properties.

In January, 54 dengue fever cases were reported. The number dropped significantly compared with the same period in 2025. The police force said they would continue to work hard to uncover the case. Steps to investigate will be carried out transparently and professionally.