Inp.polri.go.id - Kupang.East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Melki Laka Lena has issued a public apology, labeling the suicide of a 10-year-old primary school student in Ngada Regency a "systemic failure" of local and provincial administration. 

The fourth-grade student took his own life on January 29, 2026, after his family, who were not registered for government social assistance, reportedly could not afford basic school supplies like books and pencils. Investigations revealed the family missed out on aid due to unresolved administrative residency data following their move from Nagekeo to Jerebuu.

"This is a harsh slap to our humanity and a failure of the system from the provincial to the village level to detect and help this child's struggles," Governor Laka Lena said on Wednesday (4/2/2026), as cited by antaranews.com.

The Governor has ordered all regional heads to immediately synchronize poverty data to ensure no vulnerable families are excluded due to paperwork. As part of a restorative effort, the local administration has pledged to build a decent home for the victim's mother and provide ongoing material support for the remaining four children.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)