40-year-old Zetro Leonardo Purba, an administrative staff member at the Indonesian embassy in Peru, was shot three times after cycling home to his apartment in the Lince district of Lima on the night of 1/9. He was taken to the hospital but did not survive.

Security camera footage shows a helmeted assailant firing two shots at close range, causing Purba to fall to the ground. The attacker then fired another shot into Purba's head before escaping on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice.

Police reported no belongings were taken and believe the suspects had been tracking Purba for several days before the attack.

Zetro Leonardo Purba, an Indonesian embassy staff member, was shot outside his home in Lima on 1/9. Photo: Lelemuku Indonesia

Zetro Leonardo Purba, an Indonesian embassy staff member, was shot outside his home in Lima on 1/9. Photo: Lelemuku Indonesia

Peruvian authorities announced on 2/9 that they are investigating the incident as a potential contract killing. Interior Minister Carlos Malaver stated that the killing appeared to be targeted, emphasizing that the suspects lay in wait before attacking Purba.

Investigators are analyzing additional security camera footage and searching for the suspects. Attacks targeting foreign diplomats are rare in Peru.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer pledged increased security for the Indonesian embassy. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement strongly condemning the "cowardly act" and affirmed their commitment to a thorough investigation.

Zetro Leonardo Purba, 40, before his transfer to Peru earlier this year. Photo: New Straits Times

Zetro Leonardo Purba, 40, before his transfer to Peru earlier this year. Photo: New Straits Times

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed Purba's role as an administrative staff member at the embassy. He noted that Purba had only been in Peru for five months and was a dedicated diplomat.

"I offer my deepest condolences and request a transparent and swift investigation from local authorities, along with maximum security for Indonesian citizens and diplomatic staff in Peru," he said.

The assassination has shocked the public in Peru, where violent crime has been on the rise. The government has recorded over 1,500 homicides since the beginning of the year, a more than 20% increase compared to the same period last year. The Peruvian Ministry of the Interior reported that extortion cases have also increased by 28%, with nearly 16,000 complaints filed in the first half of the year.

Thanh Danh (AP, New Straits Times, Guardian)