A still from surveillance footage shows the moment a gunman escapes after fatally shooting Indonesian diplomat Zetro Leonardo Purba in Lima, Peru, igniting international calls for justice.
On September 2, 2025, the international community was shocked by the brutal murder of a high-ranking Indonesian diplomat, Zetro Leonardo Purba, on the streets of Lima, Peru. It was a professional contract killing of a 40-year-old embassy official as he was cycling home and was shot three times.
This cold-blooded murder has created fear for the safety of its diplomats and the clearest picture of the out-of-control crime situation in Peru, with both countries crying out to seek justice. The incident is threatening to strain poor relations between Indonesia and Peru as investigations continue to escalate and take centre stage in world news.
Brazen Attack in Broad Daylight: The Killing of Zetro Purba
The killing took place in the posh San Isidro district of Lima, which is generally believed to be the best place to go as an expatriate. Cameras were able to capture the gruesome scene: a masked gunman walked up to Purba on his way to the apartment building and shot him twice at point-blank range.
The diplomat fell as the attacker fired another, lethal bullet and fled on a motorcycle driven by a comrade. The accuracy of the shooting surprised observers, with those who lived there explaining the echo of the gunfire and the ensuing mayhem.
Purba was taken to a local hospital, but despite the best efforts of the medical personnel, he died of injuries. His wife, who had seen the aftermath, standing at their window, was shattered along with their two little ones, 8 and 5 years old. Minutes later, Peruvian police encircled the crime scene and unleashed a manhunt across the city, yet the perpetrators had disappeared into Lima’s crowded streets.
Victor Guivar, the national head of Peruvian police, described the assault as a planned strike, stating there was no motive of theft. The fact that the assailants knew that Purba had a routine makes us think that they knew that their target was a planned killing, and sparked speculation that this was a hired murder related to organised crime or global interests. The boldness of the attack on a diplomatic centre has caused some alarm, and questions have arisen as to who attacked Purba and why.
Zetro Purba: A Diplomat’s Life Tragically Cut Short
Zetro Leonardo Purba was a respected figure in Indonesia’s foreign service, known for his dedication and warmth. He studied at Gadjah Mada University and graduated with honours in 2010, joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shortly after. Born in North Sumatra in 1985, he has since been a part of the Ministry.
He spent his career in Asia and Latin America before serving as a junior economic attache in Lima in April 2025. Purba concentrated on pursuing trade relationships mainly in the lucrative mining industry of Peru, which earned him critical acclaim as a professional.
Purba was also an environmentalist who did his best to commute to the diplomatic office by bicycle, spreading the message of sustainability–a way of life that made him an easy target on the fateful night. People who worked with him said that he was a nice and peaceful person who had no enemies. “Zetro was a genial fellow, ever with a smile on his face, said a colleague at the embassy, Irwan Butapierre. His passing has led to a flood of sorrow, as the hashtag JusticeForZetro is trending on social media sites within Indonesia and elsewhere.
Purba is abandoning a family of mourners, the wife of more than ten years and children who had settled in the capital of Peru, full of life. Friendly and diplomatic tributes around the world highlight the personal and professional gap his loss creates, and underscore the need for prompt action to fill the gap.
Investigation Under Pressure: Unravelling a Complex Case
Peruvian officials have assigned a special investigative unit, which has been cooperating with Interpol and Indonesian detectives to crack the case. Surveillance footage is being scrubbed to find any leads, but the gunman wore a helmet, which makes it harder to scan his face.
The fact that the motorcycle also has an obscured license plate has prompted police to examine traffic cameras throughout Lima in the hope of tracking the escape route. Forensic testing on shell casings and bullet fragments seeks to implicate the weapon within established criminal organisations, whilst Purba communications are being assessed on whether they raise any red flags.
Theories put forward at an early stage suggest that there might have been links to the mining industry of Peru, where Purba discusses trade that could have collided with the interests of corrupt elements or other parties. But Indonesian authorities emphasise that there were no threats of attack before the incident and that people should avoid speculation.
When a diplomat is involved, the Vienna Convention is invoked, and Peru is put under international scrutiny to serve justice. Despite this, the overworked police force and the complex urban geography of Lima pose significant challenges, and as of September 7, 2025, no arrests have been reported.
Global Condemnation: Leaders Demand Answers
This assassination has initiated urgent responses by the two countries. President Dina Boluarte of Peru denounced the despicable act and assured the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, of an in-depth investigation in a tense phone call.
The Foreign Ministry of Peru also issued a promise of the diplomats’ protection, and it also consoled the family of Purba. Foreign Minister Sugiono in Jakarta insisted on the responsibility, terming the murder an assault on international diplomacy. It is planned to bring back the remains of Purba and give him a state funeral in his native town.
The United Nations and ASEAN issued statements emphasising the need for a strong reaction, and the U.S. and other major powers felt compelled to prioritise the safety of their diplomats in unstable regions. It has highlighted the duty of Peru in relation to international law, and there is pressure to ensure that the further intensification of the incident does not occur.
Peru’s Crime Surge: A Nation on Edge
The murder occurs following a surge in violent crime in Peru, with murders increasing to a ten-year high of more than 6,000 in 2025. With drug trafficking and extortion, organised gangs have become even stronger and further embedded themselves in big cities such as Lima.
Once the capital of diplomats, it is currently experiencing a 30 per cent increase in targeted killings, and foreigners are at risk. Analysts cite economic misery, political unrest and compromised law enforcement as major factors, and the government is finding it difficult to control the situation.
Recent events, such as the recent murder of a Japanese executive in Cusco, highlight the increasing reputation of Peru as a dangerous destination. The diplomatic zones are under-patrolled due to budget cuts that have followed previous requests by the Indonesian embassy to increase security in the areas. Such an assassination might demand a reckoning, as analysts fear that violence with impunity will scare off foreign investment and travel.
Diplomatic Fallout: A Test for Indonesia-Peru Ties
The attack threatens to end a 50-year diplomatic relationship reinforced by a recent free-trade pact. Purba was a significant figure in the development of economic collaboration, which heightened the symbolism of his death, potentially jeopardising relations if justice was delayed.
Indonesia can urge the government to tighten the security of its diplomats, whereas Peru is under pressure to curb its crime epidemic in order to sustain its credibility.
The incident has rekindled debate on the issue of diplomat protection worldwide. Pressure groups are demanding new international practices, such as risk assessments and armed escorts in insecure regions. The killing may make the countries revise their posting in volatile areas and isolate Peru.
A Call for Justice and Reform
Since Lima struggles with its crime problem and the world mourns Zetro Purba, it is all about delivering justice. The result of the investigation will challenge the determination of Peru and have a global impact on how the world views its stability level.
To his family and his workmates, Purba has yet to be responded to, but hopefully his legacy as a peacemaker leads to action. This tragedy is a vivid reminder of what can happen to diplomats in an ever-more volatile world as the international community waits with bated breath to see an end to it.
