Australian consulat murdered in Depok home

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

An unidentified man attacked and killed Australian Frans Louis Merre, 70, in his house in Tugu subdistrict, Depok, on Tuesday morning, police said.

The victim reportedly suffered severe wounds to his neck, hands and legs as he tried to fight off the attacker.

Depok Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Firman Shantyabudi said on Tuesday the police were still trying to establish a motive for the murder, but suspected the attacker knew Merre.

Firman said police did not believe robbery was behind the murder because nothing seemed to be missing from Merre's house.

According to Firman, police had an eyewitness to the crime, the adopted son of the victim.

He did not give the name or age of the witness, but said he also suffered minor injuries when he came to the aid of Merre.

"I have information the victim tried to defend himself before he was killed," said Firman, adding that police had found the sickle thought to have been used by the attacker.

"We are now seeking information about the people who were close to the victims," Firman told The Jakarta Post by phone.

The Australian Embassy in Jakarta confirmed the victim was an Australian national, but could not provide any additional information.

"We are still trying to find information about the man from his family and the local authorities," said Australian Embassy spokeswoman Elizabeth O 'Neill on Tuesday.

City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono said Merre's body had been taken to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta for an autopsy.

He said Merre worked as a consultant in Jakarta. He did not provide any further details.