A heart-wrenching incident has cast a shadow over Ngada Regency in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), where a 10-year-old fourth-grade elementary school student, identified as YBS, was tragically found dead by suicide on Thursday, January 29. The devastating discovery came after the boy had reportedly asked for books and pens, a request his family was unable to fulfill due to financial constraints, underscoring the profound challenges faced by vulnerable households.
In response to this profound tragedy, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has conveyed its deepest condolences. Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Atip Latipulhayat, issued a statement on Wednesday, February 4, expressing profound empathy: “We extend our deepest empathy and condolences to the family, friends, teachers, and all members of the school community affected by this incident.”
According to Atip, Kemendikdasmen views this event with utmost gravity, serving as a stark reminder of the complex nature of children’s psychosocial well-being. He elaborated that a child’s emotional state is influenced by a myriad of interconnected factors, necessitating continuous attention and unwavering support from families, schools, communities, and the state at large.
As part of its affirmative education policy, the late student was indeed a beneficiary of the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP), with funds having been disbursed in accordance with established mechanisms, Atip confirmed. However, he stressed that the fulfillment of children’s rights and protection, particularly for those from vulnerable families, must transcend mere financial aid.
The Ministry firmly asserts that comprehensive support must encompass crucial psychosocial assistance, moral attention, and the cultivation of a truly supportive environment conducive to their growth and development. This holistic approach is essential to address the multifaceted challenges faced by children, especially those navigating difficult circumstances.
Currently, Kemendikdasmen, through the NTT Education Quality Assurance Agency (BPMP), is actively coordinating with local governments and relevant regional agencies. This collaborative effort aims to provide essential accompaniment and support to the affected family, including ensuring the continuity of education for other family members. Furthermore, cross-sectoral coordination is being diligently pursued to guarantee that the family gains access to all necessary social and educational services, solidifying a network of sustained care.
Atip emphasized that this poignant incident serves as a critical call to action, reminding everyone of the paramount importance of fostering safe, comfortable, and supportive environments for child development. Educational institutions, in synergy with parents and the broader community, play a pivotal role in nurturing open communication. Such an environment allows every child to feel secure in expressing their vulnerabilities, receive compassionate care for their emotional state, and ultimately feel heard, valued, and adequately supported.
“Kemendikdasmen urges all parties to approach information regarding this incident wisely and responsibly, refraining from spreading speculation that could further exacerbate the psychological burden on the victim’s family and the school community,” Atip stated. He concluded by underscoring the collective responsibility: “Joint support from schools, families, communities, media, as well as central and local governments, is indispensable in creating a safe, comfortable, and supportive educational environment as a vital part of our ongoing efforts to prevent similar tragic incidents in the future.”
Summary
A 10-year-old elementary student in Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, identified as YBS, tragically died by suicide on January 29, reportedly due to his family’s inability to provide requested school supplies. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) expressed deep condolences, acknowledging the gravity of the incident and emphasizing the complex nature of children’s psychosocial well-being. Kemendikdasmen confirmed that the late student was a beneficiary of the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP), with funds already disbursed. This event highlights that children’s rights and protection require more than just financial aid.
The Ministry asserts that comprehensive support must include psychosocial assistance and a supportive environment for children’s growth. Currently, Kemendikdasmen, through the NTT Education Quality Assurance Agency, is coordinating with local governments to provide the affected family with essential support and access to social and educational services. This tragic incident serves as a crucial reminder for all parties to foster safe and supportive environments for child development, urging responsible communication and collective support from schools, families, and governments to prevent similar tragedies.