On the evening of September 1, 2025, tragedy struck the Indonesian diplomatic community in Lima, Peru. Zetro Leonardo Purba, a junior officer at the Indonesian Embassy, was fatally shot near his home as he arrived by bicycle. The shocking murder has sent ripples through both the Indonesian and Peruvian governments, igniting calls for a comprehensive investigation and renewed scrutiny of security measures for diplomats abroad.
According to ANTARA, Purba, who had only been in Peru for five months after a prior posting in Melbourne, was ambushed by a gunman who fired three shots before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. Security footage reviewed by the police captured the chilling sequence: the assailant, wearing a helmet, waited for Purba’s arrival, fired twice as he approached his apartment building, and then delivered a third shot as Purba fell to the ground. The gunman then escaped with an accomplice, leaving Purba gravely wounded. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Purba could not be saved.
Authorities quickly ruled out robbery as a motive; nothing was stolen from Purba. This detail, coupled with the calculated nature of the attack, fueled suspicions of a targeted killing. Peru’s Interior Minister Carlos Malaver, as reported by Tempo.co and AP, described the case as a “qualified homicide in the form of a contract killing.” Malaver also remarked, “They were waiting for him and the bullets hit him in the head; they wanted to kill him.”
The murder comes at a time when Peru is grappling with a surge in violent crime. Official figures cited by Tempo.co indicate that 6,041 people were killed between January and mid-August 2025—the highest toll for that period since 2017. Extortion complaints have also soared, with a 28 percent increase compared to the previous year. President Dina Boluarte’s government is under mounting pressure to address the country’s deteriorating security situation, and the killing of a foreign diplomat has only intensified scrutiny.
In the immediate aftermath, the Indonesian Embassy in Lima sprang into action. Embassy officials coordinated closely with local police, who began collecting evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from the crime scene. The police, in collaboration with the prosecutor’s office, have provided extra protection and supervision to Purba’s family, ensuring their safety during this fraught period. The embassy also presented a formal diplomatic note to the Peruvian Foreign Ministry, urging full attention to the case, according to ANTARA.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono was quick to express his condolences, both publicly and directly to Purba’s wife, Prisilia. In a video shared on his Instagram account during a working visit to China, Sugiono said, “We are very saddened and feel the loss. Zetro Purba was a consular officer at the Indonesian Embassy in Lima, a dedicated employee.” He offered words of comfort to the grieving family and instructed Indonesian Ambassador Ricky Suhendar to personally oversee the investigation into Purba’s death. Sugiono also pledged that the Indonesian government would assist in covering the education expenses of Purba’s three children, a gesture aimed at alleviating the family’s burden during this difficult time.
In response to the incident, Indonesia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta emphasized the need to reevaluate the country’s protection scheme for diplomats and embassy staff posted overseas. “Surely it will be a lesson. We will evaluate this case to improve the protection for our diplomats abroad,” Matta stated after a meeting with lawmakers on September 2, as reported by ANTARA. The murder has prompted Indonesian lawmakers to call for a thorough review of existing security protocols, underscoring the risks faced by diplomatic personnel in volatile environments.
Peruvian authorities, for their part, have expressed deep condolences and vowed to accelerate the investigation. The Peruvian National Police Authority, along with specialized divisions such as Homicidios and DEPINCRI, have conducted a meticulous crime scene investigation and are working in tandem with the local prosecutor’s office, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Peruvian government has also committed to increasing police security for the Indonesian Embassy’s personnel, facilities, and the broader Indonesian community in Peru. “The Peruvian government will increase police security for personnel and facilities of the Indonesian Embassy in Lima including families and Indonesian citizens living in Peru,” the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in a statement.
The process of repatriating Purba’s body has been handled with care and urgency. An autopsy was conducted on September 2, and the Indonesian Embassy has been closely coordinating with Peruvian authorities to ensure the smooth return of the remains to Indonesia. “We hope that his body can be returned home within this week,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, as cited by ANTARA.
Purba’s career as a diplomat was marked by dedication and a commitment to service. Before his assignment in Lima, he served at the Secretariat of the Directorate General of ASEAN Cooperation in Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is remembered by colleagues as a devoted public servant and a loving family man. The loss has left a void not only in his family—Purba leaves behind a wife and three young children—but also among friends and colleagues who admired his professionalism and warmth.
The Indonesian government has made it clear that it will continue to oversee the investigation, working closely with Peruvian authorities to ensure justice is served. Both countries have reiterated their commitment to transparency, thoroughness, and the protection of diplomatic staff. While the investigation is ongoing, the Indonesian Embassy in Lima remains steadfast in supporting Purba’s family and advocating for the safety of all Indonesian citizens in Peru.
This case has cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities faced by diplomats and the broader issue of rising violence in Peru. As both nations press forward with the investigation, the hope remains that justice for Zetro Leonardo Purba will not only bring closure to his family but also prompt lasting improvements in the safety and security of diplomatic missions worldwide.
