Jakarta, ThedailyID — Police say the suspect in a high-profile dismemberment case in Depok met the victim through a dating application and had planned the killing before carrying out the attack.
Investigators identified the suspect as Saepul, 26, who allegedly murdered Kunaefi, 51, in Pancoran Mas, Depok.
Police said they examined the suspect’s mobile phone and found that he was a member of a community for gay men. Investigators also said the suspect and the victim first connected through the Hornet social networking app.
“Our examination of the suspect’s phone showed that he was part of the community. The suspect and the victim first met through the Hornet social media application,” Commissioner Dimitri Mahendra Kartika of the Metro Jaya Police told reporters.
Investigators believe Saepul planned to steal the victim’s motorcycle and other belongings before deciding to kill him.
“The suspect intended to steal the victim’s motorcycle and other property. To take control of those belongings, he also planned to kill the victim,” Dimitri said.
Police have charged Saepul with premeditated murder under Indonesia’s Criminal Code.
Authorities arrested him in Pandeglang, Banten, on August 5, 2026, after he allegedly tried to flee.
Police previously said Saepul dismembered the victim’s body to conceal the crime. He allegedly wrapped the body in black plastic, placed it inside a rice sack, and abandoned it in a vacant lot in Pancoran Mas.
Investigators also said the suspect discarded the victim’s severed legs in a river in another area to make them harder to recover.
