26.02.2026 15:00
In Sukabumi, Indonesia, 12-year-old Nizam Syafei was hospitalized after allegedly being tortured by his stepmother and forced to drink boiling water. The child died due to severe internal burns. His father stated that the child had previously been subjected to violence by his stepmother and that the official complaint had never been withdrawn. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
The tragic event that occurred in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, deeply shook the country. 12-year-old Nizam Syafei was hospitalized on the claim that he was tortured by his stepmother and forced to drink boiling water. Shortly before his death, when asked who had mistreated him, he whispered, "It was my mother."
Nizam was urgently taken to the hospital on the morning of February 19 due to severe internal burns. Doctors determined that his esophagus had been burned with boiling water, and the child passed away that afternoon. It was also reported that he had numerous wounds and bruises indicating physical violence on his body.
The child's father, Anwar Satibi (38), stated that Nizam had previously been subjected to violence by his stepmother in 2025. Anwar said he had reported his wife to the police, but the case was closed through mediation after his wife apologized and promised to change her behavior. According to the father, the official complaint was never withdrawn.
Anwar reported that Nizam was constantly beaten when he argued with his stepmother's adopted sons, while the other two children were not punished. He mentioned that the night before Nizam's death, when he went to work, his wife said their son had a high fever, and he was shocked to see Nizam covered in blisters and burns when he returned home. His wife claimed that the blisters naturally formed when the child's fever rose.
An examination at the hospital indicated that the shape and severity of the burns were consistent with abuse. An autopsy is currently being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
AKP Hartono, head of the Sukabumi Police Criminal Investigation Unit, stated that the investigation is ongoing and that the police are awaiting the forensic report.