Tue Sep 02 17:13:58 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Indonesian diplomat Zetro Leonardo Purba was assassinated in Lima, Peru, while cycling home. He was shot three times by an assailant who fled on a motorcycle with an accomplice. Peruvian authorities have condemned the killing, launched an investigation, and offered condolences and support to the Indonesian embassy. While the motive remains unknown, Peruvian police are exploring the possibility of a targeted assassination by foreign citizens, a theory disputed by Indonesian officials. The incident has raised concerns about rising crime in Peru, particularly in Lima, where Purba had been living with his family for five months.
**News Article:**
**Indonesian Diplomat Shot Dead in Lima, Peru; Investigation Launched**
Lima, Peru – Indonesian diplomat Zetro Leonardo Purba, 40, was fatally shot on Monday night while cycling home to his apartment in Lima, Peru. The Peruvian government has condemned the incident as a “heinous act” and launched a full investigation into the assassination.
Surveillance footage shows Purba being approached by an assailant wearing a helmet who opened fire, striking him twice. After Purba fell from his bicycle, the gunman shot him a third time before fleeing on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice. Purba was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing its condolences and offering support to the Indonesian embassy, including enhanced police protection. They vowed a thorough investigation into the crime. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed he spoke with his Peruvian counterpart, Elmer Schialer, to press for a rigorous inquiry.
The head of Peru’s national police, Victor Guivar, speculated the attack could be a targeted assassination carried out by foreign citizens, however, Indonesian officials have expressed skepticism about this theory, stating that Purba had not reported receiving any threats.
The killing has raised concerns about the escalating crime rates in Peru, particularly in Lima, where homicides and extortion have risen under President Dina Boluarte’s leadership. An Indonesian embassy worker, Irwan Butapierre, criticized the lack of safety in the Peruvian capital following the incident.
The assassination comes just weeks after President Boluarte’s diplomatic visit to Jakarta, where she celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations between Peru and Indonesia and signed a free-trade agreement with President Prabowo Subianto. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the attack.
First Piper 