KPAI Reveals Mediation Stalled Legal Process in Fatal Lombok Islamic Boarding School Fire

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has stated that a mediation process was conducted to prevent legal proceedings in a fire case that killed one student and seriously injured two others at a boarding school in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

KPAI member Diyah Puspitarini explained that the case stalled because of mediation facilitated by local law enforcement and the Ministry of Religious Affairs between the pondok pesantren management and the victims’ families. She noted that this could occur due to an imbalance in power relations and a lack of understanding among various parties regarding the importance of law enforcement in child protection cases.

“There is a power relation and dominance, so those responsible at the scene felt it was better to resolve this amicably rather than prolong it. There was also encouragement from various parties who do not understand to settle the case peacefully, setting aside aspects of law enforcement and special protection for child victims,” Diyah Puspitarini said.

The fire occurred at the Rosidatus Saulatiah Al Ibrahimi Islamic Boarding School in Central Lombok Regency, NTB, on 13 December 2025, but was only reported to the police and followed up legally in June 2026. The incident resulted in the death of one child, serious injuries to two children with the potential for permanent disability, and minor injuries to one child. Police have named two suspects: a child in conflict with the law, identified by the initials MR (14), and Mz, the manager of the boarding school.