Indonesian Navy Member Suspected of Murdering Female Journalist in Banjarbaru

March 27, 2025 | 09:29 am

TEMPO.CO, Banjarbaru - The Commander of the Military Police Detachment of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) at the Balikpapan Navy Base, Navy Major Ronald Ganap, confirmed that a member of the TNI AL with the initial J and a rank of Kelasi Satu, is suspected of being the perpetrator of the murder of a journalist named Juwita, 25 years old, in the city of Banjarbaru.

"We confirm that a murder case allegedly committed by an individual member of Lanal Balikpapan with the initial J against our sister Juwita (25) did occur. This tragic event took place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan," said Navy Major Ronald Ganap in a press conference as received by Tempo in an audio transmission on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

According to Ronald, Lanal Balikpapan is still trying to uncover the chronology of the incident involving the individual J, considering the location of the murder outside its jurisdiction. He is also delving into the motive and the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim, who was a journalist for the local online media newsway.co.id.

At present, Kelasi Satu J has been detained by the Military Police of the Balikpapan Naval Base and is undergoing legal proceedings. "We ask for the patience of our media colleagues regarding the progress of the investigation involving our member. The suspected perpetrator is currently in custody, and the investigation is being carried out intensively. We ensure that the legal process will be conducted transparently in accordance with applicable regulations," he said.

The individual J is said to have been on duty at Lanal Balikpapan for only one month, after serving in the Indonesian Navy for about four years. "We are still investigating the presence of the perpetrator in Banjarbaru at the time of the incident, whether for official duty or personal interest," he said.

The Indonesian Navy also extends its deepest condolences to the victim's family. Ronald Ganap ensures that there is no attempt to cover up the alleged murder case involving a member of the Indonesian Navy.

"On behalf of the Indonesian Navy, we express our deepest condolences to the victim's family. We also apologize for the incident involving our member and ensure that if proven guilty, the suspect will receive sanctions and a punishment commensurate with the law," Ronald said.

In this alleged murder case of a journalist, previously the body of a woman was found lying on the side of the road in the Gunung Kupang area, Cempaka District, Banjarbaru, on Saturday afternoon, March 22, 2025. Initially, the police suspected the victim had been in a single accident with several body injuries. The victim's wallet and phone were missing, but her automatic motorbike was still lying at the scene.

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