Stabbed to Death at Airport: Who Was Nus Kei Really?

Chairman of the DPD II of the Golkar Party in Southeast Maluku, Agrapinus Rumatora alias Nus Kei, became the victim of a stabbing that led to his death on Sunday (19/4). The stabbing incident occurred at Sadsuitubun Airport on Sunday (19/4) around 12:00 WIT, shortly after landing following a flight from Ambon. Nus Kei was taken to hospital after the stabbing but could not be saved. Police have arrested two perpetrators, HR (28) and FU (36), who are suspected of acting out of revenge. However, the police have not yet revealed in detail the root of the issue between the perpetrators and the victim. “The motive is revenge, based on our preliminary investigation,” said the Chief of Police of Southeast Maluku, Rian Sehendi, on Sunday (19/4). So, who was Nus Kei? Besides being a politician, the name Nus Kei has been familiar because he and his group have frequently clashed with the group of John Refra alias John Kei, even though the two are still related by family. Nus Kei is the uncle of John Kei. John Kei is currently in detention after being sentenced to 15 years in prison in a premeditated murder and assault case against Nus Kei’s group in 2020 at the Green Lake City housing complex in Tangerang. That attack killed one person and injured several others. At that time, according to trial facts, the clash between the two groups was triggered by the distribution of money from the sale of 31 hectares of land at Haulussy Hospital in Ambon, with a total value of Rp49.97 billion. From that total, John demanded Rp1 billion from Nus Kei, claiming it as a loan. However, Nus Kei refused to return it and said the money was for operational purposes. Police at the time arrested a total of 39 people, including John Kei. In addition to Green Lake, John Kei’s group was also charged in the trial for another attack carried out in the Duri Kosambi area, Cengkareng, West Jakarta. Shooting incident in Bekasi Nus Kei was involved in another clash at the end of October 2023 with John Kei’s group, even though his nephew was serving time in Salemba Prison, Central Jakarta. The shooting that killed a man with initials GR (44) occurred at the Titian Complex, Medan Satria, Bekasi City, which is the residence and headquarters of John Kei’s group. Meanwhile, the victim was part of Nus Kei’s group that attacked the headquarters along with five of his companions. At that time, Nus Kei’s group of six people came to the location carrying sharp weapons. Upon learning of this, John Kei’s group then armed themselves with sharp weapons and firearms. “As soon as they [Nus Kei’s group] arrived, the victim got out carrying a machete and was immediately shot [by John Kei’s group]. They shot the victim because they claimed they were being attacked, and there were children and wives present,” said the Deputy Head of the Mobile Brigade of the Metro Jaya Police Criminal Investigation Directorate, AKBP Titus Yudho Uly, in November 2023. Police later revealed that John Kei admitted to having communicated by phone with Nus Kei from inside the prison before the clash and attack. From that second case, police have named 11 people as suspects. Police have not revealed the connection Police have not yet disclosed whether the stabbing of Nus Kei is related to the three previous clashes between the two groups. Although based on initial statements, the stabbing was triggered by revenge. The Head of Public Relations of the Maluku Regional Police, Kombes Rositah Umasugi, also urged all parties not to be provoked and to leave the handling of the case to the police. “We urge the entire community, especially the victim’s extended family and supporters, to restrain themselves and trust the handling of this case to the National Police. Do not carry out any retaliatory actions that could worsen the situation. Currently, the situation in Southeast Maluku is safe and conducive,” said Rositah in her statement on Sunday (19/4). Secretary-General of the Golkar Party, Muhammad Sarmuji, hopes that the police will quickly investigate the case thoroughly. Sarmuji also asked party cadres to remain vigilant and not be provoked by the situation. “To the cadres, remain vigilant but do not get provoked by the situation. We give our trust to the police apparatus to thoroughly investigate the incident,” he said.