On the evening of September 1, 2025, the streets of Lima, Peru, bore witness to a chilling act of violence that has since reverberated across continents. Zetro Leonardo Purba, a 40-year-old Indonesian diplomat serving at his country’s embassy in the Peruvian capital, was gunned down outside his apartment building as he returned home on his bicycle. The attack, captured in stark detail by surveillance cameras, has sparked outrage and urgent calls for justice from both Peruvian and Indonesian authorities, while also casting a spotlight on Peru’s escalating security crisis.
According to AP and multiple international outlets, Purba was shot three times—twice as he approached the entrance to his building, and a third time after he fell to the ground. The assailant, whose face was hidden beneath a helmet, fled the scene on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Purba succumbed to his injuries. Police quickly released footage from two surveillance cameras, hoping that public attention might help identify the attackers.
Peruvian authorities wasted no time announcing that the incident is being investigated as a contract killing. Interior Minister Carlos Malaver confirmed that the attack was deliberate, telling reporters that the evidence pointed unmistakably to a premeditated act. "Based on the physical characteristics we have been able to see on the video surveillance cameras, they would be foreign citizens," Victor Guivar, head of Peru’s national police, speculated in an interview with TV Peru. Yet, as La Republica noted, Indonesian officials have expressed skepticism about this theory, pointing out that Purba had not reported any threats prior to the attack.
The murder comes at a time when Peru is grappling with a surge in violent crime. Official data cited by Reuters and Al Jazeera shows that from January through mid-August 2025, 6,041 people have been killed in Peru—the highest figure for this period since 2017. Reports of extortion have also soared, with 15,989 cases recorded from January to July, marking a 28 percent increase over the same period last year. The government of President Dina Boluarte has faced mounting criticism for its inability to stem the tide of violence, which has left ordinary citizens and, now, foreign diplomats feeling vulnerable.
In a statement issued the day after the killing, Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its “deepest condolences and deepest condemnation” for what it described as a “heinous act.” The ministry pledged a thorough investigation and promised to provide “all the support and assistance required by the Indonesian authorities in this matter.” It also committed to enhanced police protection for Indonesian embassy staff, a gesture meant to reassure both the Indonesian government and its citizens living in Peru.
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono, who like many Indonesians uses a single name, was quick to demand action. In a public statement, he called for a “thorough, transparent, and swift investigation and for the maximum possible protection of diplomatic personnel and Indonesian citizens in Peru.” Sugiono also revealed that he had spoken directly with his Peruvian counterpart, Elmer Schialer, to press for rigorous investigative measures and security guarantees. “We trust Peru will ensure the highest protection for our embassy staff, families, & citizens in [the country],” Sugiono later wrote on social media.
The shock of Purba’s death has been felt acutely within the Indonesian community in Lima. According to La Republica, Purba had only lived in the city for about five months with his wife and children. Irwan Butapierre, a fellow embassy worker, lamented the dangers that have become all too common in the Peruvian capital. “Peru is an unsafe country. He was calmly riding his bike, not anticipating any danger,” Butapierre told local media. “I don’t know why they killed him.”
While speculation swirls around the motive for the attack, authorities have so far refrained from announcing any suspects or definitive leads. The deliberate nature of the shooting—striking as Purba arrived at his residence, the attacker’s methodical approach, and the quick getaway—strongly suggests a targeted killing. Yet, the absence of prior threats or known enemies in Purba’s life has left investigators and observers alike grasping for answers.
This tragic event has unfolded against a backdrop of recently strengthened diplomatic ties between Peru and Indonesia. Just last month, President Dina Boluarte visited Jakarta to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the visit, Boluarte and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto signed a free-trade agreement aimed at deepening economic cooperation. The symbolism of that milestone now stands in stark contrast to the violence that has since shaken both nations’ diplomatic communities.
The Peruvian government’s response has been measured but resolute. In addition to the official condolences and promises of support, authorities have emphasized their commitment to a “thorough investigation.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to provide all the support and assistance required by the Indonesian authorities in this matter and affirms that this crime will be thoroughly investigated.”
For Indonesia, the safety of its citizens and diplomatic staff in Peru has become an urgent priority. Sugiono’s call for “maximum possible protection” underscores the anxiety felt not just by embassy workers, but by Indonesians living and working in Peru more broadly. The Indonesian government has also made clear that it expects full cooperation from Peruvian authorities, both in the pursuit of justice for Purba and in preventing future tragedies.
Meanwhile, the broader context of violence in Peru cannot be ignored. The country’s ongoing struggle with homicides and extortion has created an environment where even high-profile figures like diplomats are not immune from harm. The murder of Zetro Leonardo Purba has thus become emblematic of the challenges facing Peru’s security apparatus—and a stark reminder of the human cost of unchecked crime.
As investigations continue, the international community watches closely. The outcome of this case will not only affect bilateral relations between Peru and Indonesia, but also set a precedent for how nations protect foreign diplomats on their soil in an era marked by rising global insecurity. For now, the memory of a diplomat who simply wanted to return home to his family serves as a solemn call for justice—and for meaningful action to restore safety in Peru’s troubled streets.
