Two Arrested in Connection with Bandung Student’s Murder at Former Kampung Gajah Tourist Site

Bandung, Indonesia – Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of ZAAQ, a 14-year-old student at SMPN 26 Bandung. ZAAQ’s body was discovered on February 13, 2026, at the site of the former Kampung Gajah tourist attraction in West Bandung Regency. The case gained attention after a TikTok livestreamer stumbled upon the body during a live broadcast.

Timeline of Events

Monday, February 9, 2026

The perpetrator, YA (16), traveled from Garut to Bandung with the intention of meeting ZAAQ. According to police, YA’s motive stemmed from hurt feelings over the dissolution of their friendship. ZAAQ attended school as usual and returned home with friends. Later that afternoon, ZAAQ was met by YA and another individual, AP, near his school. The three proceeded to the former Kampung Gajah tourist area where a dispute escalated. YA allegedly struck ZAAQ in the head with a bottle and then stabbed him eight times in the abdomen, leaving him at the scene.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

ZAAQ’s aunt notified SMPN 26 Bandung that he had not returned home the previous night. The school confirmed his absence, and a search began.

Friday, February 13, 2026

ZAAQ’s body was found in a bush at the former Kampung Gajah tourist site. The discovery was made during a TikTok livestream and subsequently reported to authorities.

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Cimahi Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit apprehended YA and AP at their residence in Banyuresmi District, Garut Regency. The suspects had briefly stopped in Tasikmalaya before returning to Garut.

Relationship Between Victim and Suspect

Investigators have revealed that YA and ZAAQ were childhood friends who grew distant after ZAAQ moved to Bandung. According to Cimahi Police Chief AKBP Niko N Adi Putra, YA felt deeply hurt when ZAAQ ended their friendship. “The victim gave a statement of intent to stop the friendship with the perpetrator, causing the perpetrator to sense hurt and resentful,” stated AKBP Niko N Adi Putra. YA reportedly planned the attack while still in Garut and stole ZAAQ’s cellphone and jacket after the assault.

Legal Consequences

Both suspects face charges under Article 80 paragraph 3 of Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection, and Article 459 of Law Number 1 of 2023 of the Criminal Code regarding premeditated murder.

Sources: detikNews, TribunJakarta, Kompas Bandung, detikcom