Indonesian embassy staff member shot dead in Peru; Jakarta calls for full investigation

LIMA — A 40-year-old Indonesian embassy staff member was shot dead outside his apartment in the Peruvian capital on Monday evening local time (1 Sept). The victim, identified as Zetro Leonardo Purba, served as a Junior Chancellery Administrator at the Indonesian Embassy in Lima. He had been stationed in Peru for only five months and was living in the Lince district with his wife and two young children.

The attack

According to police, Purba was cycling home when he was intercepted by two men on a motorcycle. Surveillance footage from the area shows one of the assailants, wearing a helmet, firing twice at him. The video then captures Purba falling to the ground before the attacker fires a third shot and flees on the motorcycle driven by his accomplice.

Purba was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. Authorities said the assailants did not take any of his belongings, suggesting the shooting was a targeted attack.

Indonesia urges full investigation

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation by Peruvian authorities. “We have requested the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local police to investigate this case thoroughly,” he said in an Instagram video on Tuesday (2 Sept).

Sugiono confirmed that he had spoken with Indonesia’s Ambassador to Peru, Ricky Suhendar, as well as with Purba’s wife. Ambassador Suhendar has been instructed to closely monitor the investigation and oversee the repatriation of Purba’s body to Indonesia.

“I hope we can do our utmost to ensure this case is properly investigated,” Sugiono said, adding that he had reminded ministry personnel serving abroad to always prioritise safety. “Wherever you are, always remember that safety must come first when fulfilling your duties and responsibilities to the nation.”

Peru’s response

Peru’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday expressing its “heartfelt condolences and condemnation of this despicable act.” Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer assured his Indonesian counterpart that all necessary measures would be taken to clarify the circumstances of the crime.

He also offered to strengthen police security for the Indonesian Embassy in Lima and its staff, pledging Peru’s full cooperation with Indonesian authorities throughout the investigation.

Police investigation

Peru’s Interior Minister, Carlos Malaver, told reporters that the National Police (PNP) are examining the victim’s professional, social, and family circles to determine possible motives. He confirmed that the attack was deliberate, noting that none of the victim’s belongings were taken.

“The Police are considering all possible suspicions. We can have various hypotheses, but I prefer not to go into detail so as not to generate misinterpretations,” Malaver said.

He added that the PNP’s Homicide Division is leading the investigation, including the examination of Purba’s phone and laptop for potential leads.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Guívar told local broadcaster Perú Noticias that this was the first homicide recorded in Lima’s Lince district this year, underscoring the unusual nature of the crime in what is considered a relatively safe area.

Purba’s body is expected to be repatriated to Indonesia later this week following coordination between both governments.