Warga Pemalang Geruduk SDN 1 Kebondalem Buntut Siswa Tewas

A seven-year-old second-grade student named Aqib died on September 30, 2026, after allegedly suffering physical abuse and bullying by older students at SDN 1 Kebondalem in Pemalang, Central Java. The case has triggered intense public concern, protests from parents demanding accountability, and active investigations by law enforcement and child protection agencies.

Protests Erupt at SDN 1 Kebondalem Over Bullying Allegations

Parents and local residents staged a demonstration at SDN 1 Kebondalem on Monday, October 5, 2026, to demand a thorough investigation into the boy’s death. Antika, a 33-year-old resident of Kaligelang and a guardian of a student at the school, voiced deep apprehension regarding safety on campus. “Ya, jadi saya resah sebagai orang tua. Akhirnya saya sekalian mantau, barangkali ada terjadi hal-hal yang tidak diinginkan,” said Antika, explaining that she joined the gathering to monitor conditions and protect children from potential harm. Antika stated that her own child had previously suffered suspected violence while in the first grade at the same institution, developing a fever and experiencing difficulty passing stool.

Police evaluate involvement of three older students

Kasat Reskrim Polres Pemalang AKP M. Faizal Wildan Umar Rela confirmed that investigators are actively evaluating the alleged involvement of three older students—two in fifth grade and one in sixth grade. According to police statements, child witnesses pointed to the two fifth-grade students as being involved in the campus incident, a suspicion reinforced when the young victim previously identified their photographs. Authorities noted that the victim initially pointed to a sixth-grade student, but clearer photographs showed the boy did not recognize that individual. Police also addressed online rumors, clarifying through school family card records that the fathers of the accused students work as medical professionals and private entrepreneurs, and none have fled the region.

Official Scrutiny and Extortion Patterns at the School

Beyond the fatal incident, other parents described a persistent culture of extortion and missing money within the school halls. Akuyas, a 45-year-old local mother whose child is in the fourth grade, recounted that students walking toward the canteen frequently faced demands for money from older children. “Sering. Terus uang yang disimpan juga banyak yang hilang, uang saku,” Akuyas said regarding the routine theft of allowance money. Meanwhile, Ombudsman RI Perwakilan Jawa Tengah identified potential administrative negligence and failures in child protection systems at the school, urging the regional government to apply strict sanctions if dereliction of duty is proven. Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Arifah Fauzi also urged a thorough investigation while emphasizing the legal protection and psychosocial support required for child witnesses whose identities circulated on social media.

Parents report bullying and extortion by older students

When did Aqib pass away?

The seven-year-old student passed away on September 30, 2026, at approximately 5:00 PM after being rushed to the hospital when he became unresponsive at home.

What specific allegations have parents raised about older students?

Parents and witnesses reported that older students frequently engaged in bullying, physical abuse during breaks, and the extortion of canteen money from younger children.

How are authorities handling the investigation into the suspects?

The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Pemalang Police is examining the involvement of three older students from the fifth and sixth grades through witness statements, victim identifications, and formal case reviews.

What measures can local educational authorities implement to ensure elementary campuses remain entirely secure for young children?