In a chilling incident that has gripped Indonesia, 25-year-old university graduate Tiara Angelina Saraswati was brutally murdered by her boyfriend, with her body later dismembered into 65 pieces and abandoned in the forests of Pacet–Cangar, East Java. The horrifying discovery has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised concerns about domestic disputes escalating into extreme violence.
Tiara, originally from Made village in Lamongan, East Java, graduated from Universitas Trunojoyo Madura (UTM) with a degree in management. She was described by friends and family as bright, ambitious, and full of life, enjoying a promising career and social circle in Surabaya. Her sudden and violent death has left loved ones devastated and struggling to comprehend the scale of the crime.
The suspect, 24-year-old Alvi Maulana from Labuhan Batu, North Sumatra, was Tiara’s university boyfriend. The pair had previously lived together, but their relationship had deteriorated over recent years due to personal disagreements and escalating arguments.
Horrific Crime Scene and Arrest
Police investigations revealed that following a heated altercation, Alvi allegedly attacked Tiara with a hammer and a butcher’s knife, killing her. He then dismembered her body into 65 parts, packed them into plastic bags, and disposed of them in the remote forests of Pacet–Cangar.
The gruesome crime came to light on 6 September when a local grass cutter discovered a human leg among dense undergrowth. Authorities launched an extensive search, eventually recovering the remaining body fragments. Police subsequently raided Alvi’s residence in Surabaya, arresting him and seizing the alleged murder weapons.
Alvi has reportedly admitted to committing the crime, citing personal disputes with Tiara as the motive. He is currently facing charges of premeditated murder, which in Indonesia can carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death sentence.
Community Reaction and Investigation
Family members of the victim have expressed profound grief, describing Tiara as kind-hearted, cheerful, and full of dreams. Friends and classmates are equally shocked, struggling to reconcile her vibrant personality with the horrific nature of her death. Indonesian media outlets have labelled the case as one of the most shocking murders of the past decade.
Authorities are finalising investigations and awaiting autopsy results. Police have urged the public to exercise caution when discussing or sharing details online to avoid misinformation and ensure the ongoing investigation is not compromised.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unresolved personal conflicts, highlighting the urgent need for awareness around domestic disputes and mental health issues within relationships.