Family Seeks Investigation into Harvard Student’s Death in Indonesia

​ ​ ⁢Updated June 01,‍ 2025
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The family of Rodrigo Ventosilla, a Harvard‌ Kennedy School student,‍ is demanding a ⁤thorough investigation into his death ‍while in Indonesia.​ The family’s concerns are amplified by worries regarding LGBTQ​ rights and the enforcement of drug laws in the country.

Douglas Elmendorf, dean of⁢ Harvard Kennedy School, stated that​ the family’s⁢ statement “raises very serious questions that deserve clear and ⁣accurate answers.” He added that the‍ school supports the⁤ call for an immediate and thorough investigation and‌ the public release ⁢of all‍ relevant information.

Ventosilla’s family has requested the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to press⁣ for an inquiry into the conduct of Indonesian⁢ authorities. However, the ministry’s recent statement appeared to align ⁣with the Indonesian officials’ version of events.

The ​Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an​ Aug. 22 news release, ‌denied⁤ that ⁤Indonesian authorities engaged in discrimination or⁤ anti-trans ‍violence. The ⁢ministry stated that the arrest occurred⁣ because customs officers discovered pills with a medical prescription and “objects that contained traces of cannabis, and also various products made with said‌ substance.”

“We demand a process that determines those responsible for the torture, extortion and violation of human rights that⁢ Sebastián suffered and that led to the death ⁢of rodrigo,” ⁣said Gianna Camacho, a ​spokesperson for Ventosilla’s family, rejecting the ministry’s statement as biased.

Marallano, who was with Ventosilla, has returned to Lima. Ventosilla’s body​ is expected to arrive on Aug. 31.

Indonesia’s LGBTQ rights record ⁤has caused alarm among activists and human rights organizations. While same-sex relations are not explicitly prohibited, and transgender individuals can change their‍ gender on​ official documents after ‌reassignment surgery, authorities have used other⁣ laws to ​crack down on the LGBTQ ‌community.⁤ Reports of violence and discrimination are rampant.

Indonesia also enforces strict drug laws. Cannabis is classified as a Category 1 ⁣narcotic,​ with possession perhaps leading to imprisonment and considerable fines. While most prescription medications are permitted, authorities advise travelers to ⁣carry a doctor’s letter and the original prescription. Travelers have been detained for possessing medication without a prescription.