Mystery Surrounds Motive Behind Murder of Indonesian Citizen in Japan, Leaving One Police Officer Injured
An Indonesian woman has been killed after being stabbed by a man, also an Indonesian citizen, in Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan. The motive behind the incident remains a mystery.
According to reports from The Japan News and The Asahi Shimbun on Saturday (6/6/2026), the incident occurred on Thursday (4/6) evening at approximately 21:10 local time. Local police have identified the deceased victim as 21-year-old Sri Rahayu. While she resided in the Fuji 3-chological district of Chitose, her occupation is unknown. The perpetrator, identified as 27-year-old Mahmudi Agung Laksana Aji, works as a part-time employee and resides in Chiba Prefecture.
The incident began when Hokkaido emergency services received a report from a pedestrian regarding a man carrying a kitchen knife on a pavement in the Chitose area. Upon arrival, officers from the Chitose and Hokkaido Police discovered the victim with multiple stab wounds, including to the abdomen. Although she was rushed to a local hospital, she was later pronounced dead. Police apprehended the suspect at the scene.
The suspect confessed to the killing, stating to investigators: “I stabbed her with the intent to kill.” The specific motive for the stabbing has not yet been clearly established, and investigations by local police are ongoing. The suspect faces murder charges, and investigators believe the perpetrator and the victim were acquaintances.
The incident also resulted in two injuries. One victim, an officer from the Chitose Police, sustained cuts to his hand and leg while attempting to apprehend the suspect. Another individual, an Indonesian man who was a companion of the victim, also sustained injuries and was hospitalised. Both injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation. Heni Hamidah, Director of the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry, stated that the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Tokyo has been in communication with the Chitose Police and relevant local authorities regarding the handling of the victim’s remains. She confirmed that the Embassy has also contacted the victim’s family to convey the news and discuss plans for repatriating the body to Indonesia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through KBRI Tokyo and the Directorate of Indonesian Citizen Protection, will continue to monitor the police investigation and the repatriation process.