Student deaths point at increasing campus violence in Indonesia

The recent deaths of two elementary school students in Riau and South Sulawesi in Indonesia, reportedly due to bullying, highlight the alarming prevalence of violence in schools and the failure to ensure safe learning environments for children.

Khris Topel Butarbutar, 8, died on May 26, allegedly after being beaten by older students at SDN 12 Buluh Rampai State Elementary School in Riau.

According to his father, Gimson Beni Butarbutar, the second grader began complaining of fever and stomach pain on May 20, a day after he returned home early from school because his bicycle tires had been deflated by older students.