In a shocking turn of events, authorities in North Sumatra are investigating the death of Rindu Syahputra Sinaga, a 14-year-old secondary school student, who passed away on September 26, just a week after allegedly enduring a severe punishment from his religious teacher. The boy’s tragic demise has sparked outrage and debate across Indonesian social media platforms.

Rindu was reportedly subjected to 100 squat jumps after he struggled to memorize Bible verses during class. This unsettling discipline method was ordered by Ms. Selly Winda Hutapea, a substitute teacher responsible for Christian religious education. Following the incident, the teacher has been suspended pending the investigation.

According to Rindu's mother, Mdm Yuliana Derma Padang, her son returned home in visible distress. “He complained about intense pain in his legs and quickly developed a high fever,” she recalled. In a heart-wrenching statement, she shared that her son expressed fear for his health, saying, “Mom, my legs hurt so much. Put that teacher in jail so she won’t do this again.”

After the punishment, Rindu was taken to a local clinic before being transferred to Sembiring Hospital in Deli Tua, approximately 13.5 kilometers from Medan. Unfortunately, his health continued to decline, leading to his untimely death. While Mdm Yuliana suspects that the punitive measures played a critical role in her son's passing, she has opted against an autopsy out of concern for his body.

“I can’t bear the thought of my son being subjected to an autopsy. He’s already gone,” she expressed, but added that she seeks justice to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.

The police are taking steps to address this serious matter. Police Commissioner Risqi Akbar confirmed that their investigation is ongoing and that they are considering exhuming Rindu's body for further examination in the coming days.

In a twist of fate, Ms. Hutapea has reportedly expressed remorse over the incident. Mr. Muriadi, head of the Deli Serdang education council, shared insights into her current emotional state, stating, “The teacher feels guilty and is in shock. She never expected this outcome.”

This tragic case has ignited discussions regarding the safety of students and the appropriateness of disciplinary practices within educational settings. As the investigation unfolds, community members and parents alike are calling for systemic changes to ensure the well-being and protection of children in schools. This unsettling incident may have long-lasting repercussions for how education is administered in the region and serves as a wake-up call for authorities to reevaluate disciplinary measures employed by educators.