Associated Press, Lima, Peru – Peruvian authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of an Indonesian diplomat as a contract killing, highlighting growing concerns over violent crime in the country.

Zetro Leonardo Purba, 40, a junior officer at Indonesia's embassy in Lima, was shot three times Monday night as he arrived by bicycle at his apartment building. He was rushed to a hospital but later died.

Interior Minister Carlos Malaver told lawmakers the attack was classified as a "qualified homicide in the form of a contract killing." He added that nothing was taken from the victim, who had been in Peru for five months and is survived by his wife and three children.

"They were waiting for him, and the bullets hit him in the head; they wanted to kill him," Malaver said.

Police released security footage showing a helmeted gunman firing at Purba, who fell to the ground before being shot again. The suspect then fled on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono urged Peru to conduct a "thorough, transparent, and expeditious investigation," while calling for stronger protection for Indonesian nationals in the country.

Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged full support to Indonesia's ambassador and embassy staff. Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer later said the killing underscored the severity of Peru's "insecurity problem," calling it "one more wake-up call."

The government of President Dina Boluarte has faced mounting pressure over rising violence. Official figures show 6,041 people were killed between January and mid-August, the highest toll for the period since 2017. Extortion complaints also jumped 28% in the first seven months of the year, reaching nearly 16,000 cases.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/peru-authorities-say-indonesian-diplomat-was-victim-of-contract-killin