8-year-old boy in Indonesia tragically dies after being beaten by students for his faith

In heartbreaking news from Indonesia, a young boy has died a week after being beaten by a group of older students who mocked his Christian faith. Please note that the article below contains content that you might find distressing.

An eight-year-old boy in Indonesia has tragically died after being beaten by a group of older students for his faith.

Khris, one of the few Christians at his school, took unkindly to the group saying, “Your God, Jesus, has long hair! He looks weird.” Khris reacted by striking one of them, and in return they hit his back, shoulders and head, with one boy driving his knee into Khris’ stomach. Initially, Khris was able to return home and even kept the incident from his family, saying his dirty clothes were because he fell.

Khris grew increasingly unwell, leading his worried father, Gimson, to confide in a friend – another parent from school. Later that day, one of Khris’ schoolfriends came forward to explain what happened: “Khris was beaten up in the classroom and behind the school by older kids.” Gimson confronted the bullies’ parents and teachers, prompting the boys to admit what they had done.

As the pain worsened, Gimson took Khris to hospital. Doctors gave him fluids and, for a moment, Khris seemed to improve, only for him to deteriorate again. He was taken to a larger hospital, where doctors discovered that the area around his stomach – the solar plexus – was severely infected.

“You can do it, my son. You’re so strong,” Khris’ mother whispered as he lay unconscious and a tear rolled down his face. Heartbreakingly, Khris died on Monday 26 May, a week after the incident.

Ongoing investigation

Prior to his burial, an autopsy was conducted on Khris’ body, and the case is still being handled by the police. The Head of Public Relations of Indragiri Hulu Police, Aiptu Misran, stated, “The Indragiri Hulu Police are currently conducting an intensive investigation and are committed to thoroughly handling the case in accordance with objective and transparent legal procedures.”

The incident has also drawn national attention, with Lalu Hadrian Irfani, Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, saying, “Regarding the five perpetrators who are still minors (around 10–12 years old), we urge that the handling of the case prioritise guidance, rehabilitation and mediation, as stipulated in the Child Protection Law and the Juvenile Criminal Justice System Law (UU SPPA).

“Children who commit acts of violence must face consequences, but these should remain within an educational framework, not merely punitive.”

“He was a kind, beautiful boy”

Khris – his full name Khristopel – loved riding his bike, playing with his little sister Mika, and helping his mother around the house. He wanted to be a soldier when he grew up – to protect those in need. Khris loved Jesus and, at school, that made him different, but such differences weren’t always welcome. Even so, he bravely stayed the same – only for it to come at an awful, tragic cost.

“There’s no one to offer me warm sweet tea anymore,” his mother says, tearfully. “I still iron his clothes and sing worship songs like I used to. It may look like I’m okay, but inside, I’m breaking. I’d trade every ounce of help we’ve received for just one more day with him.”

His father adds, “He was a kind, beautiful boy. He never wanted to be a burden. He just wanted to serve. His dream of becoming a soldier… is gone.”

Open Doors partners have spent time with the family, offering them encouragement, listening to them and praying with them. They are also providing some financial assistance for the family. 

Gimson expressed his gratitude for the support given by local partners. “Thank you for coming all the way here to help and support us. Please pray that we may find the strength to accept this reality, even though our hearts struggle to bear this pain. We hope our son, Khris, will be remembered by many – and that such a tragedy never happens again.”