The murder of Indonesian national Nurdia Rahmah Rery at a Chinatown hotel shocks both nations.
A domestic dispute turned deadly in Singapore when Indonesian citizen Nurdia Rahmah Rery, 38, was found murdered by her husband, Salehuddin, 41, at a hotel in the city’s Chinatown area. The chilling case has drawn widespread attention in both Indonesia and Singapore due to its cross-border legal implications.
A Shocking Crime in Chinatown
Singapore police confirmed that the incident occurred early Friday morning, October 24, 2025, at the Capri by Fraser China Square hotel on South Bridge Road. The victim, identified as Nurdia Rahmah Rery, was found lifeless in room 703 after her husband, Salehuddin, confessed to the crime. The murder marks the fifth homicide reported in Singapore this year, highlighting a concerning rise in violent cases in one of Asia’s safest nations.
The Confession and Immediate Arrest
According to The Straits Times and Channel News Asia, after the fatal act took place between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., Salehuddin went to the Bukit Merah East Police Station around 6:40 a.m. and told officers he had killed his wife. Police immediately dispatched investigators to the scene, where paramedics confirmed that Nurdia had died before help could arrive. The suspect was swiftly detained and brought before the district court the following day.
Court Proceedings and Mental Health Evaluation
In his first court appearance on Saturday, October 25, 2025, before District Judge Tan Jen Tse, Salehuddin appeared calm, dressed in a red polo shirt. During the hearing, he requested to be tried in Indonesia instead of Singapore. Judge Tan declined the request, noting that the case was still in its preliminary stage. Prosecutors later requested a three-week psychiatric evaluation to assess the suspect’s mental state, which the court approved.
Legal Complexities Between Two Nations
The case has raised complex legal questions involving jurisdiction between Indonesia and Singapore. Salehuddin reportedly appealed for the case to be resolved under Indonesian law, asking to be repatriated. However, Singaporean authorities have clarified that the case remains under investigation within Singapore’s jurisdiction. Any discussion of transfer or extradition would depend on bilateral agreements and court deliberations still in progress.
KBRI Singapore Provides Consular Assistance
The Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Singapore confirmed its involvement in providing legal and consular support. Rizki Kusumastuti, Secretary of Information and Social Affairs at KBRI Singapore, stated that the case’s legal matters are being handled by the embassy’s prosecution attaché. “We have to coordinate further with the relevant officer before releasing updates,” Rizki said, emphasizing that KBRI continues to assist with procedures related to the victim’s repatriation.
Growing Concern Over Domestic Violence Abroad
This tragedy not only exposes the fragility of cross-border marriages but also reignites discussions about mental health and domestic violence among migrant communities. For Singaporeans, the case serves as a sobering reminder that violent crimes can occur even in a nation known for its safety. For Indonesians, it highlights the importance of consular protection and mental health awareness for citizens living or working abroad.
The murder of Nurdia Rahmah Rery has become a symbol of the emotional and legal complexities surrounding binational relationships. As investigations continue, the case underscores the need for stronger international cooperation in handling crimes involving citizens of multiple nations — and the importance of addressing mental health and domestic violence before tragedy strikes again.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , BeritaSatu.com (2025) , Mothership (2025)
Keywords: Singapore Murder, Indonesian Victim, Capri By Fraser, Chinatown Tragedy, Bukit Merah Police, Salehuddin Case
