Police Admit Lack of Evidence in Mataram Student Murder Case

The police have admitted they still lack sufficient evidence to identify the perpetrator in the murder of University of Mataram (Unram) student Nadya Dwi Ramadhany, also known as NDR (21).

“It is true that witnesses are perhaps minimal. That is why it remains a task for investigators to complete, to search for evidence that will allow them to ensnare the perpetrator,” said the Director of General Criminal Investigation (Dirreskrimum) of the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional Police, Commissioner Arisandi, on Friday (24/7/2026).

Arisandi stressed that the case is still being handled by the Mataram City Police, with the NTB Regional Police only assisting in the investigation. He said investigators are using scientific crime investigation (SCI) methods to thoroughly probe the case.

“It cannot be based merely on assumptions, nor on pressure. Investigators will work based on evidence, on scientific crime investigation. It must be based on that,” Arisandi added.

He explained that investigators need to secure at least two pieces of evidence to name a suspect. These two pieces of evidence must not only convince the investigators but also the prosecutors who will act as public prosecutors.

“It cannot be based solely on the investigator’s belief. We must also convince our colleagues in the prosecution service. Our colleagues in the prosecution service must also convince the judge in court later during the trial,” he said.

Previously, the victim’s family lawyer, Lalu Anton Hariawan, claimed that the police had already identified a person strongly suspected of being the perpetrator of Nadya’s murder. “Actually, investigators have already identified a candidate whom they suspect,” Anton said on Monday (13/7).

Nadya was found dead in her boarding room in the Gomong area, Selaparang District, Mataram City, NTB, on the evening of 17 May. The Unram student’s body was first discovered by a friend who had come looking for her at the boarding house. At the time, Nadya’s body was found lying on its back and was already emitting a foul odour. The room was locked. It was later discovered that Nadya’s mobile phone and motorcycle were missing.