A heartbreaking scene unfolded in Jakarta when a young boy was found sitting alone outside a shopping mall at 2am, too afraid to return home because he had not yet sold all his tofu.
The incident, captured on video and shared on social media, has since gone viral, sparking widespread concern and debate.
Boy sitting alone on the street
According to a video uploaded on TikTok, two young men were walking near the mall in the early morning hours when they noticed the boy sitting alone on the street.
Concerned for his safety, they approached him and started a conversation.
In the video, the boy can be seen holding an LED slingshot toy while carrying a container filled with unsold tofu.
Haven’t finish selling tofu yet
After being questioned, the boy hesitantly revealed that he did not dare go home because he had not finished selling the tofu.
He feared his father would punish him for failing to complete his task.
Despite the two young men offering to take him home and expressing concern for his well-being, the boy firmly refused to leave.
The boy admitted that he feared his father’s reaction more than the dangers of being alone on the streets at night.
Promise made to his parents
Further details revealed in the video suggested that the boy was under immense pressure due to a promise he had made to his parents.
He believed that if he successfully sold all the tofu, they would reward him with a new toy.
However, for a child of his age, he should not be enduring such pressure,” one of the young men in the video remarked.
“It’s heartbreaking to see him still wandering the streets, worried about his sales.”
“The fact that things like this still happen today is saddening. I hope you grow up to be a successful person.”
Before leaving, the two young men gave the boy some money to help him.
Netizens’ reaction
This incident has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and criticism, with many people expressing concern for the boy’s well-being and condemning the actions of irresponsible parents.
“Why are children treated like that there? Is there no child protection law?”
“A child that small is fighting against time” 🥺🥺🥺
“Hey, pity him 😭 Please help him. I want to help, but Indonesia is too far.”
