Allegations of Inadequate Support Surface Amidst Student’s Death Following Alleged Bullying

TANGERANG SELATAN – Questions are being raised about financial accountability in the tragic case of a 13-year-old student, identified as MH, from SMPN 19 Tangerang Selatan, who died following an alleged bullying incident. A legal aid body representing MH’s family has stated that the support provided by the alleged perpetrators’ family towards the victim’s medical expenses was minimal, amounting to approximately Rp 3.6 million.

This limited contribution meant that MH’s extensive medical care, after he was transferred to RSUP Fatmawati in South Jakarta, was largely covered by Indonesia’s national health insurance, BPJS.

Initial Promises Unfulfilled

According to Alvian, a representative from the legal aid foundation, the family of the alleged bullies had initially pledged to cover all of MH’s medical costs until his full recovery. However, this commitment reportedly faltered midway through his treatment.

“There was an understanding that the perpetrator’s family would cover the medical expenses until MH was completely healed, but in reality, it stalled,” Alvian explained.

The legal aid representative detailed that when MH was referred from RS Colombia BSD in Tangerang Selatan to RSUP Fatmawati, all subsequent treatment costs were channeled through BPJS.

“For the treatment at Fatmawati, there was no financial contribution whatsoever from the perpetrator’s family,” Alvian confirmed.

He clarified that the Rp 3.6 million contribution was made during the initial examination phase, prior to the student’s admission to RSUP Fatmawati. This included expenses for early consultations and diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan at Permata Pamulang.

A Life Cut Short

The incident that allegedly led to MH’s condition occurred on October 20, 2025, when his head was reportedly struck with an iron chair by a classmate. He received initial treatment at a private hospital in Tangerang Selatan before being transferred to RSUP Fatmawati on November 9.

MH’s condition deteriorated, and he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on November 11. He passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

The Commission for the Protection of Indonesian Children (KPAI) has reportedly expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for legal processes and clarity regarding the cause of death. Reports indicate that the police have interviewed several witnesses in connection with the alleged bullying.

Broader Implications of Bullying

This case underscores the serious and often devastating impact of bullying, a behavior that can have profound consequences on a victim’s mental and physical well-being. Bullying is recognized as a form of harmful behavior with legal ramifications for perpetrators of all ages. Its persistent nature can lead to severe psychological distress, including fear, anxiety, and deep-seated trauma, potentially impacting an individual’s overall health and opportunities.

The Komisi X of the Indonesian Parliament has strongly condemned the alleged bullying incident. Simultaneously, discussions surrounding mental health awareness highlight its critical importance, often overlooked amidst daily life’s demands.

Despite efforts to gather further information from Polres Tangerang Selatan regarding the investigation into the alleged bullying, as of this report, no further details have been released.