Stepmother Designated Suspect in Death of Stepchild from Abuse in Sukabumi; Her Confession Outrages

A stepmother who abused her stepson NS (12) in Bojongsari Village, Jampangkulon District, Sukabumi Regency, West Java until his death, has been designated as a suspect.

“We have designated Ms TR as a suspect on suspicion of violence, both physical and psychological,” said Sukabumi Police Chief Senior Commissioner Samian on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The suspect has been charged under Article 80 read in conjunction with Article 76C of Republic of Indonesia Law Number 35 of 2014 read in conjunction with Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection. The perpetrator claimed the abuse was conducted as a form of discipline to educate her child. However, police are not readily accepting this explanation.

Police continue to investigate the suspect’s motive for carrying out the abuse. Upon further investigation, the suspect’s cruel conduct was not a one-time occurrence. In fact, the abuse had been ongoing for quite some time, since 2023. The victim was pinched, slapped, and scratched by the suspect.

“She claims it was to educate her child,” he added.

Previously reported, a 12-year-old boy with initials NS from Bojongsari Village, Jampangkulon District, Sukabumi Regency, West Java died, allegedly abused by his stepmother. The victim died with bruises and burn marks on his body.

The victim normally resided at an Islamic boarding school. However, at the time of the incident, the victim was on holiday for Ramadan preparations with his family. When the incident occurred, the victim’s father, who was working in Sukabumi City, was called by his wife and asked to return home immediately as the child had fallen ill.

Upon the father’s return home, the victim was immediately taken to Jampang Kulon Hospital for medical treatment. Unfortunately, the victim ultimately passed away at the hospital.