September 4, 2025 | 12:07 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The shooting of 40-year-old Indonesian Embassy staffer Zetro Leonardo Purba, 40, last Monday in the Lince district, Peru, has brought the country's serious security crisis to international attention. According to the Peruvian media outlet La Repubblica, Zetro Leonardo had no criminal record in the country.
A police source revealed the possible motive for the attack. He said Zetro Leonardo's murder is believed to be related to an attack on a woman working in the Risso area.
"A team has been deployed to Risso. The victim is not associated with a pimp, but he was reportedly close to or related to a woman working in the area," said an agent familiar with the case.
The woman, a friend of Zetro's, was in a relationship with a man nicknamed El Chino. He is believed to be involved in Zetro Leonardo Purba's death.
"Several numbers, apparently belonging to girls, with Venezuelan and Colombian codes, were found on the deceased's cell phone. The numbers are being traced. Apparently, he frequented the area," he added.
According to police reports, "El Chino" is believed to be the leader of the "One Family" gang. The El Chino network is known for sexual exploitation, extortion, and contract killings.
Carlos Malaver, Minister of the Interior, stated that the initial investigation indicates the murder was carried out by a contract killer. "This is a qualified murder, a case of contract killing, based on the manner of the incident. There was no stolen goods. They were waiting for him, and a shot was fired at his head. They tried to kill him directly. We are not ruling out any possibility, we are still investigating," he said, as reported by La Repubblica.
According to witnesses, the perpetrators who killed him arrived on a motorcycle. They intercepted him while he was riding and shot him three times.
Witnesses reported suspicious activity. "At the appliance repair shop on the block, a man who appeared to be on a motorcycle approached to ask if they were repairing televisions, which makes no sense," they said.
Yesterday, the victim's family was relocated to another location. This was in response to a request from Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, who asked Peruvian authorities to strengthen security measures for his country's diplomatic personnel and their families.
Zetro Leonardo Purba is a staff member at the Indonesian Embassy in Peru. Previously, he worked at the Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne, Australia, as Treasurer and Household Manager (BPKRT). He holds a degree in accounting and is also a certified state treasurer.
In 2024, Zetro was appointed Deputy Manager of Organizational Performance at the Secretariat of the Directorate General of ASEAN Cooperation (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). He was then assigned to Lima. He arrived with his wife and children five months ago. He doesn't speak Spanish. He cycles at night because he lives close to diplomatic missions.
Editor’s Choice: Facts Behind the Shooting of Indonesian Embassy Staff in Peru While Cycling
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