Tragic, Books and Pens Worth IDR 10 Thousand were Paid for with the Lives of Elementary School Students in NTT

Disclaimer: Be wise in reading this content! The information in this article is not intended to inspire anyone to take similar action. For those of you who feel symptoms of depression so that you have the urge to end your life, immediately consult your problem with parties who can help, such as psychologists, psychiatrists or mental health clinics. You can contact the nearest counseling service in your city/regency.

FAJAR.CO.ID — The heartbreaking incident of a fourth grade elementary school student in Jerebuu District, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) ending his life because he couldn’t afford books, was truly heartbreaking. Books and pens worth IDR 10 thousand had to be paid for with the life of the 10 year old boy.

The boy with the initials YBS (10) was found dead in his grandmother’s garden on Thursday (29/1/2026) afternoon. The location where the victim was found was about three meters from the simple hut where he lived with his grandmother who was approximately 80 years old.

A Touching Farewell Letter

A piece of paper containing the victim’s handwriting addressed to his mother and family was found in his possession. YBS wrote a farewell message in the local language.

“PAPER TII MAMA RETI, MAMA GALO ZEEMAMA MOLO JA’OGALO MATA MAE RITA EE MAMA, MAMA JAO GALO MATAMAE PANTS RITA NE’E GAE NGAO EEMOLO MAMA

(LETTER TO MOM RETI, MOM I’M GOING MAMA, LET ME GO DON’T CRY, MOM, MOM I’M GOING, YOU DON’T NEED TO CRY AND LOOK FOR OR MISS ME, CONGRATULATIONS MOM)” the sound of the writing on a piece of paper adds to the deep sorrow for the family and local residents.