Ministry Monitors Investigation into Fatal Bandung Student Clash

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) has urged a thorough investigation into the death of a Bandung student, stressing the importance of child protection in handling the case.

The ministry is coordinating closely with Bandung Metropolitan Police to monitor the legal process following the fatal clash between students in Bandung, West Java.

“Based on information from investigators, the case is still under preliminary examination, with police assessing possible criminal elements,” Acting Deputy for Special Child Protection at the PPPA Ministry, Indra Gunawan, said on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The Bandung Women and Child Protection Unit (UPTD PPA) and the Regional Child Protection Commission (KPAD) are set to hold a case conference to discuss follow-up measures.

PPPA Minister Arifah Fauzi emphasized that if the death resulted from assault, it could constitute a violation of Indonesia’s Child Protection Law. She noted that collective violence in public leading to death may also fall under provisions of the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of 12 years.

Authorities further underlined that if suspects are minors, the case must be processed under the Juvenile Justice System Law, prioritizing child protection and restorative justice.

The victim, FA (17), a student at state senior high school SMAN 5 Bandung, died on March 13, 2026, on Jalan Cihampelas after attending a communal fast-breaking event. The incident has sparked calls for accountability and stronger safeguards against youth violence. ***