Celvin Moniaga Sipahutar, Joko Pramono, Jakarta – Police have ruled out foul play in the death of Arya Daru Pangayunan, a 39-year-old diplomat with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, whose body was found under suspicious circumstances at his rented room in Menteng, Central Jakarta, earlier this month. However, his family has rejected the findings and called for the investigation to continue.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Jakarta Police said forensic analysis concluded that Arya died of asphyxiation due to a blocked airway, caused by a plastic bag and duct tape wrapped around his head. No evidence of physical violence or third-party involvement was found at the scene.
"Forensic tests revealed no signs of assault. The fingerprints and DNA on the duct tape belonged to the victim himself," said Jakarta Police General Crimes Director Commissioner Wira Satya Triputra.
Digital forensic experts also analyzed Arya's devices and found a history of suicidal tendencies dating back to 2013, with renewed indications in 2021 and 2022. Despite these findings, police stopped short of officially classifying the case as a suicide.
Investigators examined 13 pieces of evidence from the scene and reviewed surveillance footage from multiple locations, including the Foreign Affairs Ministry building, Grand Indonesia mall, and Arya's boarding house. The CCTV footage, which police confirmed had not been edited or manipulated, showed Arya alone in the hours leading up to his death.
Police also addressed public concerns over a CCTV camera being repositioned at the victim's boarding house. The camera angle was changed by a staff member at the request of Arya's wife, Meta Ayu Puspitantri, during efforts to break into the locked room. Police said the shift was procedural and not intended to conceal evidence.
Despite closing the investigation with no criminal elements found, police said they had not yet issued an official letter to terminate the case and remained open to receiving new information.
Arya was found dead on July 8. His death caused widespread speculation due to the unusual circumstances. His family, however, has strongly rejected any notion that Arya took his own life.
"We don't believe he would have done that," said Meta Bagus, Arya's sister-in-law. "He was open with his wife and family, never showed signs of distress about work, and always communicated."
The family is now focusing on supporting Arya's wife and two children and has urged authorities to continue pursuing all possible leads.
"We ask the police not to halt the investigation and to explore all remaining questions. This case should not be closed prematurely," Meta said.