Video of Truck Driver Changes Fate of 4-Year-Old Scavenger Boy in Cakung

JAKARTA – A tragic situation faced F, a four-year-old boy who scavenged discarded bottles in the Cakung area of East Jakarta. F’s act of collecting bottles on the roadside went viral on social media after being recorded by a passing truck driver who gave the boy money.

In the video, F is seen wearing a white shirt whilst carrying a sack used to collect empty bottles he gathered. A brief conversation takes place, during which F innocently explained that he lives with his grandmother in the Cakung area.

The Metro East Jakarta Police Chief, Alfian Nurrizal, who visited F’s residence, explained that the family circumstances forced F to live with his grandmother in a scavenger settlement. According to Alfian, F’s father is currently undergoing legal proceedings at Bekasi Police Station, whilst F’s mother has remarried and lives in West Java.

“F lives with his grandmother Tursini in a scavenger settlement. He scavenges to help his grandmother, who also works as a scavenger,” said Alfian when confirmed.

F is not alone; he also lives with his younger brother, aged three, with the initial N. Both children frequently engage in scavenging activities.

Police subsequently arranged a video call between the two children and their biological mother. This conversation became an important moment in determining their future.

“In that conversation, F’s mother expressed her willingness to resume caring for both children in Sumedang,” he said.