Yogyakarta, 24 July 2025 — The tragic death of Arya Daru Pangayunan (39), a young diplomat of Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose body was found at a boarding house in Menteng, Central Jakarta, has drawn wide public attention. This heartbreaking incident also sparked concern among academics, including Prof. Dr. Dafri Agussalim, a Professor of International Relations at Universitas Gadjah Mada.
According to Prof. Dafri, the death of an active diplomat is not merely a personal loss, but a moment for national reflection—particularly on how the state protects its diplomats. In an interview, he stressed the importance of this case being a wake-up call for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other state institutions. He believes that employee protection should not only cover physical health but also psychological safety and economic well-being.