Presidential guard dismissed on suspicion of murder

The Presidential Security Force (Paspampres) says it will dismiss one of its members suspected of murdering his pregnant girlfriend.

Force commander Maj. Gen. Marciano Norman said his office had sent the suspect soldier, identified only by the initials LH, to Tangerang Military Police for further questioning.

“We have found evidence indicating his guilt," Marciano told reporters on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, North Jakarta Police said it had found the alleged murderer of 22-year-old Mia Peragawati, whose remains were found in a sewer in the Ancol Park area, North Jakarta.

Mia, who was seven-months pregnant, was found dead with mud in her lungs and stomach.

Citing LH's statement, Marciano said the 26-year-old soldier had beat Mia after she hit him during a quarrel.

“He beat her back and had left her, not realizing she had died,” Marciano said.

He added that LH, who had worked with the force for three years, was in the process of marrying his girlfriend.

He said LH had asked for permission to marry Nia next month.

Marciano expressed his apology to the family of the victim, saying the case had tainted the image of the force.

“This is the first such case since I first served as the commander of Paspampres and will be the last,” he said.

Should LH be found guilty he will not only be fired but also sent to prison, Marciano said.