The Tragic Story of a 4-Year-Old Boy from Sumedang: Father in Prison, Child Scavenging for Survival
A young boy identified as F from Sumedang, West Java, has been living in dire circumstances. The 4-year-old boy survives by scavenging for waste alongside his grandmother, whilst his father remains incarcerated.
The story of boy F went viral on social media after he was discovered collecting discarded bottles in the Pulo Gadung industrial area, Cakung District, East Jakarta. F lives with his grandmother and younger sibling N (age 3) following their parents’ separation.
Living in the harsh conditions of Jakarta, F assists his grandmother, who also works as a scavenger. The family’s situation is deeply concerning, with F’s father currently undergoing legal proceedings at Bekasi Police Station, whilst his mother SS has remarried and lives in Sumedang Regency, West Java.
The viral incident moved the conscience of the East Jakarta Metro Police Chief Brigadier General Alfian Nurrizal. On Thursday, 12 March, Alfian and the Deputy Police Chief made a direct visit to F at the scavenging site where he, his grandmother, and younger brother were living.
During the visit, the Police Chief met directly with F, his younger sibling N, and their grandmother. The atmosphere was warm as the Police Chief provided attention and light meals to both children.
Brigadier General Alfian Nurrizal stated that this initiative was undertaken as an expression of the police force’s commitment to providing protection for women and children.
“We are present not merely as law enforcement officers, but also as representatives of the state with a responsibility to ensure every child receives protection and a worthy future. When we see children in need of attention, the police force must be present to provide solutions,” said Brigadier General Alfian Nurrizal in a statement on Friday, 13 March 2026.
Returning to Mother in Sumedang
The Police Chief subsequently communicated directly with their biological mother via video call. During the conversation, SS expressed her willingness to resume custody of both children in Sumedang.
As a demonstration of compassion, the East Jakarta Metro Police Chief also provided assistance to the family, received by the grandmother. Following coordination with family representatives and the Social Services Department, an official handover ceremony was conducted, witnessed by family members, police officers, and social services personnel.
Dhona Susanti, Head of the Social Implementation Unit for Cakung District, who attended the event, emphasised that the state was present through collaborative efforts to ensure children’s rights remained protected.
“We from the Social Services Department are present as an extension of state authority to ensure these children receive protection and their rights are fulfilled. All handling processes are conducted in coordination to ensure their future remains secure,” she stated.
In the afternoon, the East Jakarta Metro Police, together with the Jakarta Social Services Department, directly transported the children to their mother’s residence in Sumedang Regency using police official vehicles. The East Jakarta Metro Police Chief also ensured that the return process did not conclude merely with transport, but would continue to be monitored through cross-regional coordination.
“We have already coordinated with the Sumedang Police Chief and local social services to ensure both children receive support after returning to their family environment. The state must be present to guarantee children’s rights so they can develop properly,” emphasised Brigadier General Alfian Nurrizal.