Monitored for Two Months: Motive Behind Murder of ITB Indonesia Vice Rector Revealed; Police Rule Out Romance
The mystery surrounding the death of Aspira Surbakti, Vice Rector II of the Institute of Technology and Business (ITB) Indonesia Kabanjahe, has begun to unfold. Police have named two individuals as suspects in the murder case.
The suspects, identified by the initials AD and RS, had reportedly been monitoring the victim’s activities for approximately two months before carrying out the attack. Karo Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Febriandi Haloho, stated that AD and RS initially planned a robbery because they knew the victim lived alone and possessed luxury goods and vehicles.
“The two perpetrators planned a robbery by spying on the victim’s activities over the last two months. They knew the victim lived alone and possessed luxury items and vehicles,” he said, as reported on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The two suspects travelled from Medan to Kabanjahe using a public shuttle service. Upon arriving in Kabanjahe, the suspects allegedly infiltrated the victim’s house at approximately 04:00 WIB. They entered through the rear of the house via a glass roof. However, the attempted robbery was discovered by the victim. Police suspect that the suspects then attacked Aspira Surbakti, leading to his death.
Following the murder, AD and RS allegedly stole Rp30 million in cash, along with several pieces of jewellery, including earrings and a wristwatch. Furthermore, the victim’s car was driven away towards Medan.
Febriandi revealed that AD and RS were not strangers to the victim’s neighbourhood. Both were known to have previously worked as construction labourers within the same residential complex. This connection likely allowed them to become familiar with the victim’s situation and the surrounding environment.
After committing the crime, the suspects reportedly used a portion of the stolen money to purchase mobile phones and meet personal needs. The police subsequently apprehended AD and RS in the Jermal area of Medan, through a joint operation involving the Karo Police, the North Sumatra Regional Police Criminal Investigation Team, and the Medan City Police.
Several pieces of evidence were seized, including the victim’s car, various pieces of jewellery, and the remaining stolen cash. Police stated that the primary motive appears to be the seizure of the victim’s assets, and they have found no evidence linking the case to any romantic motive.