KPAI Condemns Brutal Murder of Bandung Student, Calls for Justice and Juvenile Justice Protocols

Bandung, Indonesia – February 16, 2026 – The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has issued a strong condemnation following the murder of ZAAQ (14), a student at SMP Negeri 26 Bandung, allegedly by two SMK (vocational high school) students, YA (16) and AP (17). The incident, which occurred in the former Kampung Gajah area of Bandung Barat, has sparked national outrage and renewed focus on escalating youth violence.

Details of the Incident

According to reports, ZAAQ was killed on February 9, 2026, and his body was discovered on February 13, 2026. YA, a student at a vocational school in Garut, is identified as the primary perpetrator, whereas AP, who is no longer in school and works as a wedding decorator, assisted in the crime. The suspects were apprehended by the Cimahi Police Criminal Investigation Unit Resmob at their residence in Banyuresmi Village, Garut Regency, after initially fleeing to Tasikmalaya.

KPAI’s Response and Concerns

KPAI Commissioner Aris Adi Leksono expressed deep sorrow and concern over the tragic loss of life. “We express our deep condolences for the death of a child in a murder incident that occurred in the Bandung area. This incident is a very concerning tragedy. We view this case as extreme violence between children which resulted in the loss of a child’s right to life, which from a child protection perspective is a serious violation of children’s basic rights,” Leksono stated.

The commission highlighted the disturbing motive behind the murder – a falling out over a friendship. Leksono emphasized that this underscores the dangers of unresolved conflicts among teenagers, particularly when coupled with a lack of emotional management skills, inadequate adult supervision, and insufficient conflict resolution education in schools. “The motive mentioned, namely ‘breaking up friendships’, shows that social relationship conflicts among teenagers can develop destructively when they are not accompanied by emotional management skills, there is no adequate adult assistance, there is a lack of conflict resolution education and emotional literacy at school,” he explained.

KPAI characterized the escalation from a simple conflict to a premeditated murder as “very terrible and urgent,” pointing to a disproportionate escalation of violence and a profound loss of empathy.

Call for Justice and Juvenile Justice Considerations

KPAI is urging a thorough and firm legal process to ensure justice for the victim and their family, while also advocating for psychological support for the grieving family. However, the commission also stressed the importance of adhering to Law number 11 of 2012 concerning the Juvenile Criminal Justice System, given the suspects’ ages.

“By implementing the SPPA Principles, the best interests of children, a restorative justice approach, rehabilitation, and guidance. However, it needs to be emphasized, a special approach for children does not mean impunity. For serious crimes such as murder, the legal process continues to run according to criminal provisions, with juvenile justice mechanisms,” Leksono added.

Ongoing Investigation

The Cimahi Police are continuing their investigation into the case, led by Police Chief AKBP Niko N Adi Putra. Authorities are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the murder and to ensure a fair and just outcome.