Indonesian Dam Security Guard Found Dead, Handcuffed

A security guard at the Jatiluhur Dam in Purwakarta, West Java, was found dead in the Tanggul Ubrug Lake on Friday, July 24. The victim, identified as Sumarna, 40, was discovered with his hands handcuffed behind his back while still in his work uniform.

Sumarna had been on night duty guarding the vital dam area. His disappearance was noted around 3:00 AM local time by his supervisor. Colleagues and local residents launched a search, eventually finding his body floating by the lake's edge around 11:00 AM.

According to a local resident, Sumarna may have confronted a group attempting vandalism in the dam's restricted area the previous night. The resident suggested the group returned a day later, leading to the confrontation.

Authorities have sent Sumarna's body to the Bayu Asih Hospital for initial examination and subsequently to Sartika Asih Hospital in Bandung for an autopsy. The Purwakarta Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, seeking to identify perpetrators and uncover the motive. Investigators have secured Sumarna's motorcycle and radio, and are interviewing witnesses.