A 10-year-old elementary school student, identified by the initials YBS, was found dead in Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday afternoon, January 29, 2026. Authorities suspect the child died by hanging.
A Note of Farewell
YBS was a fourth-grade student at a local elementary school. He was discovered hanging from a rope tied to a clove tree near the hut where he lived with his grandmother. A handwritten letter, addressed to his mother in the Ngada language, was found at the scene.
Translations of the letter, provided by authorities, reveal a heartbreaking farewell. The message reads, in part, “Mama, I’m going to go,” and “Mother, you don’t need to cry, look for, or miss me.”
Discovery and Circumstances
Local residents discovered YBS’s body while tending to livestock. After securing their animals, they went to inform his grandmother, YS, who is around 80 years old. She was staying overnight at a neighbour’s house assisting with cracking candlenuts – a common source of income in the area – and the child had spent the night at his parents’ home.
Police confirmed that YBS had died before their arrival.
Broader Concerns About Education and Poverty
This tragedy has sparked renewed discussion regarding access to education in Indonesia, particularly in impoverished rural areas like East Nusa Tenggara. Ubaid Matraji, National Coordinator of the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI), stated that the incident highlights the challenges faced by low-income families.
While Indonesia’s constitution guarantees free basic education, and the Constitutional Court has ruled against fees for public elementary schools, families often encounter costs for learning materials and other school-related contributions. East Nusa Tenggara is among the least developed provinces in Indonesia, where many rely on subsistence farming and informal labour, and access to essential services remains uneven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was found at the scene?
A handwritten letter addressed to the victim’s mother was found near the scene, along with the body of YBS hanging from a clove tree.
Where was the child’s grandmother at the time of the incident?
The child’s grandmother, YS, was staying overnight at a neighbour’s house helping to crack candlenuts.
What has been the reaction to this incident?
The incident has prompted renewed discussion about education access in Indonesia, particularly in rural and eastern regions where poverty rates are higher than the national average.
What systemic factors might contribute to a child feeling such despair, and what support systems could be strengthened to prevent similar tragedies?
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