Woman from Galur, Kulon Progo Murdered at Chicken Cutting Stall Over Rp 1.2 Million Debt
Police have solved the case of a woman whose body was found in the Kali Ngrowo stream in Ngentakrejo Village, Lendah District, Kulon Progo, last April. The murder occurred when the suspect became enraged while collecting a Rp 1.2 million debt from the victim.
Kulon Progo Police Chief AKBP Ridho Hidayat stated the victim, identified as DA (44), was a resident of Galur, Kulon Progo, while the suspect, B (28), was from Lendah, Kulon Progo. He added the crime scene was along the Kali Ngrowo stream in Ngentakrejo, Lendah.
The investigation began after police received a report on 24 April at 4:30 PM WIB about an unidentified female body found in the Kali Ngrowo stream. Officers transported the remains to Wates Regional Hospital for further examination, where inconsistencies and bruising suggesting assault leading to death were found.
Authorities then investigated to identify the victim, cross-referencing missing persons reports. The body was confirmed to be the missing woman reported by her family. A joint team from Kulon Progo Police’s Mobile Brigade, Lendah Police Station, and DIY Provincial Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit conducted the inquiry, leading them to the suspect.
On 26 May 2026, officers apprehended the suspect at his residence. After initial interrogation, he admitted involvement in the case. Ridho explained that the victim and suspect knew each other; the suspect, employed at a chicken-cutting stall, had lent money to the victim in instalments. However, when repayment was due, she was unable to pay.
“The loan was given in stages. We understand the money belonged to the stall owner, and the suspect likely felt pressured by his employer to recover the debt, which the victim failed to repay,” he said. “We will further investigate the exact timeline, but the victim owed Rp 1.2 million to the suspect,” Ridho added.
Kulon Progo Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit Chief Iptu Subihan Afuan Ardhi noted the debt accumulated to Rp 1.2 million through multiple instalments. When pressed for repayment, the victim not only couldn’t pay but also requested additional loans, triggering the suspect’s anger.
“The due date passed, she couldn’t repay, and even asked for more money, which enraged the suspect. He then committed the murder,” Subihan said. The killing occurred at a chicken-cutting stall in Bantul. According to police, prior to the murder, the suspect consumed alcohol and pil koplo before brutally assaulting the victim to death.
After ensuring the area was clear, the suspect wrapped the body in two sacks and transported it using a ronjot and his Honda Scoopy motorcycle. In a panic, he dumped the body into the Kali Ngrowo stream.
Police seized evidence including a Honda Scoopy motorcycle, a mobile phone, a t-shirt, shorts, a shoulder bag, a mop, and other items. The suspect faces charges under Article 458(1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), with subsidiary charges under Article 466(3), carrying a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.