Indonesian Embassy staff killed in shooting outside his Lima apartment
An Indonesian Embassy staff member in Peru was shot dead outside his Lima apartment on 1 September. Peruvian police have launched an investigation into the suspected revenge-driven attack. His family is now under police protection.
- Indonesian diplomat staffer Zetro Leonardo Purba was shot dead outside his Lima residence on 1 September 2025.
- Peru’s Interior Minister said the killing is being investigated as a contract murder; suspects fled on a motorcycle.
- Indonesia and Peru pledged close cooperation in the investigation, with both governments vowing to protect diplomatic staff.
An Indonesian Embassy staff member in Peru, Zetro Leonardo Purba, was killed in a targeted shooting outside his residence in Lima on the evening of 1 September 2025.
The 40-year-old Junior Chancellery Administrator at the Indonesian Embassy, was intercepted by two individuals on a motorcycle as he arrived by bicycle at his apartment on César Vallejo Street in the Lince district. According to police reports, the assailants fired three shots, fatally wounding him.
Purba was rushed to Javier Prado Clinic but later died of his injuries. His wife, who was waiting at the entrance of their building, was unharmed. She and the couple’s children are now under police protection.
Calls for investigation and diplomatic coordination
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said he had spoken with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer to request a comprehensive investigation. Posting on his official X account on 2 September, Sugiono expressed confidence that Peru could ensure the safety of embassy staff and Indonesian nationals.
Through the Foreign Ministry’s official Instagram, Sugiono added that he had contacted the Indonesian Ambassador to Peru, Ricky Suhendar, instructing him to closely monitor the case. He also extended condolences to Purba’s wife and family, promising government support, including education assistance for the couple’s three children.
The Indonesian Foreign Minister also asked Ambassador Ricky to help return the deceased to Indonesia.
"I hope we can do our best to see this case through to the end," he said.
Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha C. Nasir confirmed that the President of Peru, Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, had pledged her government’s full attention to the case. He said the President assured that a proper investigation would be conducted and that the perpetrators would be swiftly apprehended.
Peruvian authorities suspect contract killing
As reported by AP, Peru’s Interior Minister Carlos Malaver told lawmakers that the shooting was being investigated as a “qualified homicide in the form of a contract killing.” Police released security footage showing a helmeted individual firing twice at Purba, then delivering a third shot before escaping on a motorcycle driven by another person.
“They were waiting for him and the bullets hit him in the head, they wanted to kill him,” Malaver said of the suspects.
Authorities noted that nothing was stolen during the attack, reinforcing the suspicion of a premeditated killing. Commissioner Guivar of the Peruvian National Police confirmed it was the first homicide recorded in the Lince district this year.
Local residents said Purba had arrived in Peru only five months earlier and frequently commuted to the Indonesian Embassy in San Isidro by bicycle.
Political and parliamentary reactions
Indonesian lawmakers also weighed in. Sukamta, Vice Chairman of the House of Commission I, urged Peruvian authorities to conduct a transparent and accountable investigation, while stressing the need to safeguard Indonesian diplomatic staff in the country.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Embassy in Lima is coordinating with local authorities over legal procedures. Vice Minister Arrmanatha explained that an autopsy process, expected to take about five working days, is under way before Purba’s body can be released.
Rising violence in Peru
The killing comes amid a wider wave of violent crime in Peru. According to official data, 6,041 people were killed between January and mid-August 2025, marking the highest figure for the period since 2017. Extortion complaints also rose to 15,989 between January and July, a 28 percent increase compared to 2024.
Peruvian authorities said they had activated the “Cerco” plan, a security strategy to encircle and track suspects. The Peruvian National Police conveyed condolences through their official X account, pledging to pursue the perpetrators.
Remembering Zetro Leonardo Purba
Colleagues described Purba as a dedicated official and a family man. Irwan Butapierre, another Indonesian Embassy staff member, told local media that Purba was cycling calmly when he was ambushed. “He did not expect any danger, and they shot him. I do not know why they killed him,” he said.
Sugiono, speaking from an official visit to China, said Indonesia had lost a loyal public servant. “Zetro Purba was a consular officer at the Indonesian Embassy in Lima, a dedicated employee,” he said, noting the government would help support his family.
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