Abroad
Indonesian boy, 12, dies after alleged abuse by stepmum who forced him to drink boiling water
He reportedly named his stepmother as his abuser moments before his death.
February 23, 2026, 03:29 PM
Warning: This article contains content that some may find disturbing. Audience discretion is advised.
A 12-year-old boy in West Java, Indonesia, died after succumbing to injuries from repeated abuse by his stepmother.
According to Indonesia media, he was at one point forced to drink boiling water.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Abuse
Media reports highlighted the injuries sustained by the victim, including wounds on his body that appeared to be caused by physical violence and burns, and severe burns to his oesophagus caused by scalding.
A video uploaded online documented the boy's condition in hospital, moments before he passed away.
When asked who his abuser was, he appeared to point at his stepmother and say, "Mummy".
Victim's father previously filed police report
In a video interview, the victim's father stated that he had previously filed a police report against his wife, the boy's stepmother, for prior instances of abuse against his son.
The matter was later resolved through mediation when the woman promised to change her ways, though the police report was not withdrawn, Sin Chew Daily reported.
The victim's father also detailed other instances of abuse against his son, including being beaten whenever he fought with his stepmother's adopted sons.
Her other two children were apparently not punished.
On the night before the boy's death, his father was working in Sukabumi City outside of the village, but returned home upon receiving a call from his wife that his son had a high fever.
He was shocked to find his son with blisters and burns, as he had been in good condition before he left home in the morning, he added.
According to him, his wife claimed that the boy's skin naturally developed blisters whenever he had a fever.
The victim was taken to the hospital early the next morning on Feb. 19, where doctors concluded that the burn wounds were an indication of abuse.
He died later the same afternoon.
An autopsy is being being conducted while police investigations are ongoing, reported Sin Chew Daily.
Top images via Tribun Timur & Sinchew
