Indonesian Embassy Confirms Diaspora in Albania Killed by Husband

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Heartbreaking news comes from the Indonesian diaspora community in Europe. An Indonesian woman, Indah Lilis Sartika Saragih, was killed in Tirana, Albania. 

Albanian media, Vox, reported that James Wertz, the victim’s husband, strangled her with a rope. 

"(James) strangled his wife with a rope, killed the two dogs, and then hanged himself," wrote Vox, quoted on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

The local police found a piece of paper that said, "Sorry, I couldn't make it."

Saragih was known among the Indonesian diaspora as quite unsociable, according to Tempo’s investigation. “You’re only allowed to visit her house when her husband is not present,” a source living in Tirana told Tempo. 

According to the source, who has resided in Tirana for 10 years, Saragih also had minimal social media presence.  

Tirana, the Albanian capital, is home to around 50 Indonesian diaspora. “Some work as masseuses in spas. Others are waiters in restaurants,” the source said. 

Gatherings among the community were scarce, the source added, and Saragih rarely participated.  

Tirana is under the auspices of the Indonesian Embassy in Bulgaria, which has confirmed the murder of Saragih. “It’s true, and we are coordinating with the Indonesian diaspora in Tirana as well as the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs," Mekar, a diplomat at the Indonesian Embassy in Bulgaria told Tempo.

Saragih’s murder in Albania came only a month after a similar case in Munich, Germany. Josepha Hestiningtyas who lived in Landberg an Lerc was murdered by her husband who then committed suicide.

Please do not underestimate depression. For assistance in psychiatric crises or suicide prevention measures in Indonesia, please contact: Yayasan Pulih (021) 78842580

KRISNA DIANTHA

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