Indonesian Diplomat Shot Dead in Peru as Protests at Home Leave 10 Dead

By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

LIMA/JAKARTA (Worthy News) – Indonesia faces tragedy abroad and turmoil at home after one of its diplomats was shot dead in Peru’s capital, Lima, while days of protests over parliamentary perks and inequality killed at least 10 people across the Southeast Asian nation.

Authorities said Zetro Leonardo Purba, a junior chancery officer at Indonesia’s Embassy in Lima, was gunned down Monday night while cycling near his residence in the city’s Lince District.

He had been stationed in Peru for just five months following an earlier posting in Melbourne, Australia.

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono expressed condolences and pledged support for Purba’s family, including the repatriation of his remains.

In Jakarta, lawmakers demanded a sweeping review of security at diplomatic missions worldwide and pressed Peru to conduct a transparent investigation into the killing.

PROTESTS CONTINUE

At the same time, Indonesia is reeling from nationwide demonstrations that began in Jakarta and spread to other cities, escalating into rioting, looting, and deadly clashes with police.

At least 10 people, including students, have been killed, according to several sources. Rights groups and the United Nations have condemned what they view as excessive force, citing the use of tear gas and rubber bullets near universities.

Christians in Indonesia told Worthy News they are “praying for peace” amid concerns that Muslim extremist groups could exploit the turmoil to push for the imposition of strict Islamic Sharia law in parts of the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.

“I was thinking about the Tower of Babel in the Bible. People began building that huge tower as a symbol of unity and not to be scattered across the Earth,” a house church believer explained.

“But when God saw their pride, He created different languages to confuse them and ensure His plan was fulfilled. I pray that He will similarly confuse and divide those who want to unite and impose Sharia on Indonesia,” she added.

Latest Worthy News