Indonesian police investigate death after suspicious satay delivery

Authorities in Boyolali, Indonesia, are investigating the suspicious death of a 57-year-old woman, identified as A, who died shortly after consuming chicken satay delivered to her home. The family reported the incident to the police on May 25, 2026, after learning that the victim had received the satay from an unknown individual through an online motorcycle taxi service.

In response to the family's concerns, a joint team from the Boyolali Resort Police, the Health Department, and the DVI of the Central Java Regional Police conducted an exhumation of the victim's grave on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Police Chief Indra Maulana Saputra stated that the exhumation was initiated based on the victim's child's report.

The victim was found dead at her home by her child on May 19, 2026. At the time, the family proceeded with the burial, believing there were no suspicious circumstances. However, a week later, they received information about the satay delivery, prompting the child to report the matter to the police. The family's legal representative, Wiwik Dwi Habsari, urged against speculation before the investigation and forensic examination results are finalized, emphasizing the presumption of innocence.

Further complicating the case, the family reported that five chickens allegedly died after eating leftover satay. "This is now the police's responsibility to uncover the cause of death, whether it was poisoning or another element," Wiwik stated. The satay was reportedly purchased in the Pandean area of Ngemplak and delivered to the victim. The sender, using the initial L, was identified as the victim's second child, who lives nearby. However, this child denied ordering or sending the food to their mother. The victim had reportedly contacted her child to inquire about the sender before consuming the satay, and was advised to be cautious. Police are awaiting autopsy results to confirm the cause of death, with the police chief noting that various possibilities, including illness or heart attack, are being considered.