Student Found Dead in Bandung After Disappearance, Two Teenagers Detained
Bandung, Indonesia – A student at SMPN 26 Bandung, identified only by the initials ZAAQ, was found dead on Friday, February 13, 2026, after being reported missing earlier in the week. The discovery, which unfolded during a live TikTok broadcast, has led to the detention of two teenage suspects, YA (16) and AP (17), both from Garut.
The tragic events began on Monday, February 9, 2026, when YA traveled from Garut to Bandung with the intention of meeting ZAAQ. According to police reports, YA’s motive stemmed from hurt feelings after ZAAQ ended their friendship.
On that same Monday, ZAAQ attended school as usual and returned home with friends. Later in the afternoon, around 3:30 PM local time, ZAAQ met with YA and AP near the school. The meeting moved to a former tourist area known as Kampung Gajah, where a disagreement escalated into violence. Police stated that YA struck ZAAQ in the head with a bottle, then stabbed the victim eight times in the abdomen before fleeing the scene, leaving ZAAQ still alive.
“After the victim fell, but was still conscious, the suspect then stabbed him eight times in the stomach. The suspect then left the victim in a living condition,” stated Cimahi Police Chief AKBP Niko N Adi Putra.
ZAAQ’s family became concerned when the student did not return home. The following day, February 10, 2026, ZAAQ’s aunt informed the school that the student was absent and had not been home since Monday. The school confirmed the student was missing.
The discovery of ZAAQ’s body occurred on Friday, February 13, 2026, in a thicket of bushes at the former Kampung Gajah site. The news was initially shared via a live TikTok broadcast, prompting immediate coordination between school officials and the Sukajadi Police.
Police apprehended YA and AP on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at their homes in Banyuresmi District, Garut. The suspects reportedly stopped in Tasikmalaya before returning to Garut. Following the arrest, YA allegedly contacted the victim’s family, falsely claiming ZAAQ had been kidnapped.
Authorities have charged both suspects with violations of Article 80 paragraph 3 of Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law Number 23 of 2002 on Child Protection, and Article 459 of the Criminal Code concerning premeditated murder.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and determine the full extent of the circumstances surrounding ZAAQ’s death.
