Elementary Student Using Charcoal as Socks in TTS Was Merely Social Media Content

A viral video featuring elementary school student Marciano Tefi using charcoal as a substitute for socks has been revealed to be nothing more than social media content. The incident took place in Lanut Village, South Amanatun District, South Timor Tengah (TTS), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

“It appears they only wanted to create social media content to go viral,” said the Head of the TTS Education and Culture Office, Apris Adrianus Manafe, when contacted on Thursday (4/6/2026).

Apris revealed that Marciano’s father, Yanto Tefi, serves as the Secretary of Lanut Village. Consequently, the TTS Education Office did not provide specific intervention as the family’s income is consistent with the regional minimum wage (UMR).

“His father is a village secretary and has an income. How can we provide assistance if the parents are not in need? It is the government’s duty to provide aid when people are unable to afford it,” Apris explained.

According to Apris, Marciano’s parents are suspected of neglecting his school uniform and requirements. He noted that as a village official, Yanto should set a good example for the community.

“Since the parents are capable, they should be reprimanded for neglecting the child’s school supplies. Especially since he is a village official,” Apris asserted.

“There is a suspicion that this was done to seek popularity, given the parents’ background as village officials. Unless the parents were truly unable to afford it, there was no genuine hardship, and it was simply recorded by others to go viral,” he added.

Previously, it was reported that Marciano Tefi went viral on social media after using charcoal as a replacement for socks. The 19-second video, uploaded by the TikTok account @Yanto Tefi, showed Marciano preparing for school with a caption claiming his socks were lost and replaced by charcoal. The footage showed an adult taking charcoal from a pot and rubbing it onto the child’s feet, followed by both individuals high-fiving and giving thumbs up.