Sutrimo Exhumation: Forensic Team Collects Samples for Cause of Death Investigation

A forensic team will collect a number of samples during the exhumation of Sutrimo’s body in Wlahar Village, Wangon District, Banyumas Regency.

The Chair of the Indonesian Forensic and Medicolegal Doctors Association (PDFMI), Brigadier General Dr. Sumy Hastry Purwanti, said the samples would subsequently be examined in a laboratory. The examination is expected to reveal the cause of Sutrimo’s death.

“The process involves sample collection. We do not immediately state what or how; we will likely wait for the laboratory results,” Hastry told reporters on Wednesday (12/8).

“This examination is expected to help clarify whether the death was natural or unnatural,” she continued.

The process is known to involve forensic and medicolegal specialists. In addition, a number of experts were also involved, including forensic laboratory, toxicology, DNA, and anatomical histopathology specialists.

“We are working thoroughly and comprehensively based on the results of medical and laboratory examinations,” said Hastry.

On the other hand, Hastry acknowledged that the body had already decomposed, as Sutrimo had been buried since 23 July.

However, Hastry noted that the relatively dry soil conditions in the burial area were expected to assist the exhumation process.

“Based on the geography here and the soil being quite dry and good, difficulties may be minimal. We may be able to recover the body still in good condition,” she said.

The Metro Jaya Regional Police carried out the exhumation of Sutrimo’s body in Wlahar Village, Wangon District, Banyumas Regency, on Wednesday (12/8).

The Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, said the exhumation process began at around 09.30 WIB. He said the exhumation was carried out as part of the investigation process to obtain medical and scientific evidence to uncover the cause of the deceased’s death.

“Today’s exhumation is part of the investigation process. This activity was carried out through collaboration between the Metro Jaya Regional Police, the Central Java Regional Police, and the Banyumas Resort Police,” said Budi in his statement.