Junior High Student in Siak Dies During Science Practical Exam, DPR Commission III Highlights Potential for Serious Criminal Charges

A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission III, Abdullah, has urged the government to conduct a thorough evaluation following the death of a Class IX student at SMP Sains Tahfizh Islamic Center in Siak Regency, Riau, with the initials MA (15), due to an explosion during a science practical exam. A comprehensive evaluation must be carried out on all learning practices that pose risks to students across schools. “We must not allow our children to lose their lives and futures due to an unsafe and uncontrolled education system,” said Abdullah, as quoted by ANTARA on Thursday, 9 April 2026. Abdullah explained that the practical activity contravened the safety principles in education as stipulated in Government Regulation No. 57 of 2021 on National Education Standards. That regulation, he said, requires learning processes to be conducted safely, in accordance with students’ development, and without endangering their physical or psychological well-being. “I cannot fathom how the practice of making a homemade rifle could take place in a school environment. This shows the weakness in the learning supervision system that should protect students,” he stated. Furthermore, Abdullah assessed that there are indications of negligence and potential serious legal violations in the school’s teaching practices, as regulated under Emergency Law No. 12 of 1951 on Firearms. “That law stipulates that anyone who without authorisation makes, possesses, or stores firearms can face heavy criminal penalties,” he said. Previously reported, the Class IX student at SMP Sains Tahfizh Islamic Center in Siak Regency, Riau, with initials MA (15), passed away after sustaining head injuries allegedly from an explosion during a science practical exam on Wednesday, 8 April, around 10:30 WIB. The Siak Police Resort’s Criminal Investigation Chief, AKP Raja Kosmos Parmulais, said the incident occurred while the victim and his group were conducting the science practical exam at the school. However, tragedy struck when the victim was practising what was suspected to be a homemade rifle, and suddenly an explosion occurred. The explosion caused the victim to suffer head injuries. The victim was rushed to hospital for medical treatment, but his life could not be saved, and he was pronounced dead.