Indonesia: 12-year-old Nizam Syafei allegedly forced to drink boiling water named ‘mummy’ before death

WARNING: Graphic content.A 12-year-old boy who was allegedly tortured and forced to drink boiling water named his stepmother in a heartbreaking final moment before his death.

Nizam Syafei was lying in a hospital bed with catastrophic injuries when he was asked who had abused him. He quietly responded: “Mummy.”

The exchange was captured on video shortly before the child died.

Nizam had been rushed to the hospital in the early hours of February 19 in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, after suffering severe internal burns. Doctors later discovered his oesophagus had been scalded by boiling water. He died later that afternoon.

According to local reports, his body was also covered in wounds consistent with physical violence.

The footage shared online shows the boy weak and lying in a hospital bed as he answered questions about what had happened to him. When asked who had abused him, he said: “Mummy.”

His father, Anwar Satibi, 38, claimed his son had previously been subjected to domestic violence in 2025.

He told reporters he had filed a police report against his wife over earlier alleged abuse, but the matter was later mediated after she apologised and promised to change her ways. Anwar said the report was never formally withdrawn.

He further alleged that Nizam was beaten whenever he argued with his stepmother’s adopted sons, while her other two children were not punished.

On the night before his son’s death, Anwar said he was at work when his wife called to say the boy had developed a high fever.

When he arrived home, he said he was shocked to find Nizam covered in blisters and burns, despite being in good condition when he left that morning.

According to Anwar, his wife claimed the blisters appeared naturally whenever the boy had a fever.

Nizam was taken to the hospital early on February 19, where doctors determined the severity and pattern of the burns were consistent with abuse.An autopsy is now underway to establish the precise cause of death.

Sukabumi Police Criminal Investigation Unit chief AKP Hartono confirmed authorities are continuing to investigate while awaiting forensic results.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.