Indonesian student missing in Los Angeles: Indonesian Consulate coordinates search

UNITED STATES: The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Los Angeles (KJRI LA) has confirmed reports regarding the disappearance of Yudi Saputra, an Indonesian national who was last seen in Los Angeles on 31 August.

The Consulate is currently coordinating with local law enforcement agencies in efforts to locate him.

In a telephone interview, Charles Ferdinand Hutapea, the Consul for Protocol and Consular Affairs at KJRI LA, stated that they had received a report about Yudi Saputra’s disappearance, a student at California International University.

He mentioned that they are actively coordinating with relevant parties, including Yudi’s family, especially his wife, as well as friends and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

Yudi’s family reported his disappearance to the LAPD’s Missing Persons Unit last Friday (1 Sept), and the search efforts are still ongoing.

Yudi Saputra has been residing in Los Angeles with his wife and child for the past few years. Besides his studies, he worked part-time as a food delivery driver for Uber Eats.

The World Indonesian Student Association (Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia Dunia or PPI Dunia), through their Instagram account, @ppidunia, reported that Yudi was last seen near Adams Jefferson in Los Angeles on the evening of 31 August.

“Friends of the Indonesian Student Association in the United States, we kindly request your assistance in spreading information about a missing person named Yudi Saputra (an Indonesian citizen working in Los Angeles, CA).”

“Yudi has reportedly lost contact with his family for 3 days.”

“Especially for those of you in LA and the surrounding areas, any information about his whereabouts would be greatly appreciated by his family. You can contact us at (323) 599-0789, ” the post implored.

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Netizens express concern and prayers for Yudi Saputra’s well-being

In response to the post, concerned netizens shared their heartfelt prayers for Yudi Saputra’s safety.

“We pray for him to be found in good health soon…Amen,” wrote @dr.dirgantarawi*****.

Meanwhile, @ongky.andri*** wrote, “We are saddened to hear this news. Hopefully, he will be quickly found and in good condition. May he always be protected.”

“Hope he is found soon in good health. Amen…” A similar comment was written by @ristipat**.

“Best wishes, may he be well. Amen,” commented @ddmulya**.

Consulate’s ongoing efforts

Charles reiterated that the consulate has provided the necessary information and is continuously coordinating with the LAPD in the search for Yudi Saputra.

However, he emphasized that the authority for the search and investigation lies entirely with the LAPD.

Yudi Saputra is also an alumnus of the Anthropology department at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Padjajaran in West Java, graduating in 2010.

As of now, there have been no further updates regarding the case of Yudi Saputra’s disappearance, according to Judha Nugraha, the Director of Citizen Protection and Indonesian Legal Entities (BHI) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The search for Yudi continues as concerned individuals hope for his safe return.

Illustration.