In Indonesia, one man took the phrase “mind your own business” to a deadly extreme—beating his 60-year-old neighbor to death for repeatedly asking the world’s most dreaded question: “So, when are you getting married?” If nagging were a crime, this might have been self-defense.
The suspect, 45-year-old Parlindungan Siregar, was reportedly hurt and annoyed by the persistent years of unsolicited matchmaking advice and marital pressure from his neighbor, retired civil servant Asgim Irianto.
According to the statement of the victim’s wife, Siregar showed up at Irianto’s home in South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, wielding a piece of wood without warning.
Mr. Irianto attempted to escape by running out into the street. However, Siregar pursued him, catching up and delivering a fatal blow to the head. Even though he fell to the ground, Siregar continued to beat him mercilessly.
Residents intervened and stopped the assault. Mr. Irianto was rushed to the hospital, but it was too late; he died on the way.
Siregar was arrested within an hour. During questioning, he admitted he was “determined to beat Irianto to death” because of the relentless taunts. The two had also argued over chickens trespassing into each other’s coops.
In many Southeast Asian cultures, being unmarried past 30 is treated like a contagious disease. Add a nosy neighbor and a wooden club, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
So, was this a tragic outburst from a man pushed to the brink or a symptom of deeper societal pressure?
Indonesian man kills 60-year-old, worrying him to get married
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