An eight-year-old boy, referred to as "KB" in Indonesia's local news reports, tragically died following a severe beating he received from a group of older male students at a school in Pangkalan Kasai, a village located within the province of Riau. According to various sources, the incident occurred because the boy was a Christian and belonged to a different ethnic group.
The five older students – ranging from 11 to 13 years of age – had previously bullied the Christian boy by harassing him. Their verbal insults escalated into a violent physical attack on Monday, May 19th. After being severely beaten, the assaulted Christian boy returned home early and told his mother, Siska, that he was feeling sick. As the child's condition quickly worsened, his parents suspected that something serious had occurred.
On Wednesday, May 21st, the young boy's father, Gimson Beni Butarbutar, spoke with one of his son's classmates, who informed him about the attack. Gimson then expressed his concern to the students' homeroom teacher before meeting with the principal on Friday. It was eventually disclosed that one of the students had violently struck the Christian boy in the stomach with his knee. However, all those involved in the beating denied any responsibility for the fatal outcome.
The injured youth was taken to the hospital where he began vomiting blood, in addition to experiencing convulsions and shortness of breath. By the early morning of May 26th, the eight-year-old child passed away from his injuries. The five youths who were accused of the fatal attack have been identified, and police investigations are currently underway. In the wake of this tragic incident, the distraught Christian parents are now calling for justice on behalf of their son.
The young boy is remembered as a bright student who actively participated in his local Sunday school lessons. To review other reports addressing incidences of persecution in Indonesia, visit our country profile.
- Prayerfully uphold the young boy's grieving parents, Gimson and Siska, along with the couple's surviving younger child, as they now process the deep grief and trauma of losing their precious loved one.
- May the Lord's presence greatly console this heartbroken family, providing them with supernatural strength and "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" during this time of unimaginable sorrow (Philippians 4:7).
- Pray that not only will justice be served, but also that the youths responsible for this incident would realize the gravity of their actions, and thus experience the transformative forgiveness and saving grace of Jesus Christ.
- In addition, please intercede for the members of this Indonesian community – especially those who have been shaken by the devastating tragedy – asking God to bring healing, unity and the hope of the Gospel to these villagers as well.
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