September 3, 2025 | 01:25 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A staff member of the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Peru, Zetro Leonardo Purba, was fatally shot in front of his apartment on Monday night, September 1st, 2025, local time. He was killed while returning home on a bicycle with his wife, in a multi-family building on Cesar Vallejo Street in the Lince district.
At that time, 40-year-old Zetro was intercepted by two individuals riding a motorcycle. The perpetrators then fired three shots at him. The victim was immediately taken to the Javier Prado Clinic but succumbed to his severe injuries.
Zetro arrived in Peru five months ago. He served as a Young Chancery Attache at the Indonesian Embassy in Lima, Peru. He lived with his wife and two young children in an apartment located at block 3 Cesar Vallejo Avenue.
Daily, Zetro enjoyed cycling and used his bicycle for commuting to work. His wife, who was waiting for him at the entrance of the building, was unharmed. Zetro's wife and children are under police protection.
Foreign Minister Sugiono Contacts Peru, Seeks Thorough Investigation into Zetro's Death
Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that he has communicated with the Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer, to request a thorough investigation into the death of their colleague, Zetro Leonardo Purba. "I have spoken with the Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer to convey Indonesia's request for a comprehensive investigation into the passing of our colleague, Zetro Leonardo Purba," said Sugiono through his social media account X, @Menlu_RI on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025.
He is confident that Peru can provide the Indonesian Embassy in Lima and its staff, as well as their families and other Indonesian citizens, with the highest level of security. Sugiono also included a photo of him speaking to Schialer in a car.
In a statement posted to the @menluri Instagram account, he urged the Peruvian police to thoroughly investigate the case. Sugiono said that he has contacted the Indonesian Ambassador (Dubes) to Peru, Ricky Suhendar, regarding Zetro's passing. Sugiono asked Ricky to oversee Zetro's case.
Peruvian President Promises to Apprehend the Perpetrators
Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha C. Nasir conveyed that the President of Peru, Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, pledged to apprehend the perpetrators of the shooting against a staff member of the Indonesian Embassy in Lima, Peru. "The President of Peru has become aware of this incident and provided personal attention. The commitment was also given by the President of Peru for a proper investigation, and for the perpetrators to be swiftly apprehended," said Vice Minister Arrmanatha after a working meeting with the Indonesian House of Commission I (DPR RI) in Jakarta, Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Arrmanatha explained that after receiving information about Zetro's passing, the Indonesian Embassy in Lima, Peru, immediately coordinated with the local security authorities and requested a thorough investigation of this case. The embassy urged that the perpetrators be punished to the fullest extent of Peruvian law.
"At this time, KBRI is discussing the next steps with the family because it will take about five working days for the process in terms of the autopsy," said the Vice Minister as quoted by Antara. Zetro's body is currently in Peru for an autopsy.
Sukamta, the Vice Chairman of the House of Commission I, urged the Peruvian government and local authorities to conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and accountable investigation into this incident immediately. "The Peruvian government must provide protection, ensure security, and ensure that there are no further threats to Indonesian diplomatic staff," said Vice Chairman of the House of Commission I, Sukamta, in a written statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, as reported by Antara.
Peruvian Police Commence Investigation
The Peruvian National Police (PNP) has begun investigating the incident. Per Noticias television station reported that the motive behind this attack is not yet known. Commissioner Guivar mentioned that it is the first murder case this year in the Lince district.
Regarding the motive, Commissioner Guivar said he has not ruled out the possibility of revenge. He added that police are conducting investigations and thorough tests to determine the identities of the attackers. Based on the security camera footage, they are suspected to be foreign nationals.
Through its official account, the Peruvian National Police expressed condolences for the murder of Zetro. In a statement on X, they will immediately activate the 'Cerco' (encirclement) plan and begin an investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, as reported by Antara on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Editor's Choice: Minister Sugiono Urges Peru to Investigate Murder of Indonesian Embassy Staff
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