Video of Two Children Rampaging and Damaging Property at Primary School in Batang, Central Java, Goes Viral

Two children were recorded by a resident’s camera rampaging and damaging a number of items at a school in Batang, Central Java. The behaviour of the two children subsequently went viral on social media.

In the uploaded video, it was narrated that the children damaged school property, such as flower pots and a collection of trophies. Blado Police Chief AKP Sapto Winengku explained that his office had received the information and immediately went to the scene.

From initial information, it was found that the two children did not attend the primary school they vandalised. The children have the initials A and H. Both are still 11 years old and are currently in the fifth grade of primary school.

His office also conducted an inspection of the location and confirmed the damage to the school facilities. “We checked the crime scene; the display cabinet for trophies in the primary school corridor had been opened, and the trophies were broken into pieces,” he said.

From initial statements, the two children claimed they carried out the act because someone told them to. However, police are still investigating this information.

Nevertheless, the police emphasised that the two children cannot be held criminally responsible because they are still under 12 years of age. In accordance with applicable regulations, children who face legal proceedings are those aged over 12 up to under 18 years. “These children cannot yet perform legal acts because they are still under 12 years old. We have returned them to their parents for guidance,” he stressed.