LBH Reveals Procedural Errors in Investigation of Winda Lorenza's Death

The Medan Legal Aid Institute (LBH Medan) has conducted an investigative audit regarding the death of Winda Lorenlyza Gowasa, the former wife of Brigadier Imansyah Harefa. The results revealed procedural errors in the investigation process conducted by the Medan City Police (Polrestabes Medan).

“The findings, based on a lengthy process of over one month, indicate alleged procedural errors in the investigation and inquiry conducted by Polrestabes Medan,” stated the Director of LBH Medan, Irvan Saputra, at the LBH Medan office on Monday (28/9).

These findings were obtained after the team conducted an investigation into several documents, statements from relevant parties, and the condition of the crime scene (TKP). The issues identified relate to the initial information regarding the cause of Winda’s death.

From the outset, the Chief of Medan City Police, Kombes Pol Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak, stated that Winda died by suicide.

“Let me explain briefly. The reason why this remains ambiguous is because, from the beginning, the Chief of Medan City Police stated that this was a suicide case,” he asserted.

However, LBH Medan found discrepancies between that information and the contents of the Investigation Result Report (LHP). Irvan stated that based on the LHP documents and discussions with investigators, Winda Lorenza Gowasa’s death involved allegations of criminal acts under Articles 458 and 462 of the Criminal Code (KUHP).

“Why is there a discrepancy? I must emphasise that the LHP contains sufficient evidence of alleged criminal acts under Articles 4lar 458 and 462 of the KUHP. These involve allegations of murder and/or providing the means or facilities for someone to commit suicide,” he explained.

According to him, the LHP describes that criminal acts were found. However, the Chief of Medan City Police, Kombes Pol Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak, instead stated that Winda Lorenza Gowasa’s death was due to suicide. Therefore, there is an allegation of misinformation or procedural error in the investigation process.

“Furthermore, based on the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), if there is an allegation of a criminal act, then suicide is not a conclusion; suicide is not a criminal act. But the finding is that there is an allegation of a criminal offence,” he said.

LBH Medan also highlighted the process of upgrading the case status. Based on the LHP dated 5 August 2026, the case status has been upgraded from an inquiry to an investigation stage. Additionally, the Notice of the Commencement of Investigation (SPDP) has been sent to the Medan District Attorney’s Office.

“This is clear and indisputable. Subsequently, it is still in the investigation process, following on from the inquiry stage,” he elaborated.

Another finding, added Irvan, relates to the examination of the deceased, specifically regarding who provided consent for the autopsy and forensic examination. According to Irvan, Imansuit was no longer Winda’s family as they had divorced in 2021.

Consequently, Imansyah should not have been able to provide consent for the forensic examination or autopsy.

“There was a request for a forensic examination signed by IH (Imansyah Harefa). However, IH is not the victim’s family. Under Articles 49, 50, and 51 of the KUHAP, the person providing consent or permission must be the victim’s family,” said Irvan.

“Why do we say IH is not the victim’s family? Because according to the documents we obtained, a divorce took place in 2011. Therefore, there is no longer a family relationship,” he added.

LBH Medan also touched upon the results of the forensic doctor’s examination. According to Irvan, there were several findings on Winda’s body, including wounds to the head and bruising, as previously explained by the forensic doctor.

However, the forensic results could still be further tested through tissue examination.

“In our findings, we asked the forensic doctor whether the autopsy results were final or could still be tested; it turns out they can still be tested through tissue examination,” he said.

Furthermore, LBH Medan highlighted the examination of Winda’s family. Irvan stated that investigators had indeed summoned the victim’s family for questioning. However, based on information obtained, the victim’s family has yet to undergo examination.

“The investigators have issued summons for the victim’s family to be examined, but as of today, the family has not been examined. The investigators have summoned them, yet they have not been questioned. This could be confirmed with the victim’s family regarding why they did not attend the summons by Polrestabes,” he explained.

Additionally, LBH Medan questioned the delivery of the SPDP and the Notice of the Development of Investigation Results (SP2HP) to the victim’s family. Based on statements from the family received by LBH Medan, these documents have reportedly not been received.

“Based on statements from the family and related parties, it is alleged that no SPDP was sent to the family. Per the Constitutional Court mandate and the KUHAP, such notices must be provided to the victim’s family within 7 days after the investigation order is issued. It turns out the family has not received it. The same applies to the SP2HP,” he stated.

Previously, Winda Lorenza Gowasa, 30, was found dead at the home of her former husband, Brigadier Imansyah Harefa, a member of the Medan Sunggal Police, in the Bumi Asri Complex, Medan Helvetia, on Sunday (2/8/2026).

Chief of Medan City Police, Kombes Pol Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak, stated that Winda Lorenza Gowasa committed suicide by shooting herself in the head using a firearm belonging to Brigadier Imansyah Harefa.

However, the family suspects Winda Lorenza Gowasa was murdered due to numerous irregularities surrounding her death. The victim’s family has reported Brigadier Imansyah Harefa to the North Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumut) for suspected murder.

Polrestabes Medan has since upgraded the status of the case handling.

Calvijn Simanjuntak stated that the investigation process is ongoing, and the police are taking several steps to uncover the truth of the matter.

“There is no suspect yet. It is still in the process…”