Indonesia shaman’s arrest for at least 12 murders reignites serial killer concerns

45-year-old Tohari, also known as Mbah Slamet, has confessed to some killings, police say, but does not recall exact number of deaths or who all victims were

Well-known in his area, he told clients he could increase their wealth by performing spells; instead, he allegedly poisoned them

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Police in Central Java, Indonesia, investigate a piece of land where 12 bodies were found, near the home of a shaman. Photo: Central Java police

Published: 6:52pm, 7 Apr 2023

Indonesians are reeling following the discovery of 12 bodies buried near the Central Java home of a shaman thought to be one of the nation’s most prolific serial killers.

On Wednesday, police said they had originally unearthed 10 corpses in the town of Banjarnegara, about 400km (248 miles) from Jakarta, before another two were found, with the authorities unsure if there were more victims still buried.

Officers said the alleged perpetrator, 45-year-old Tohari – also known as Mbah Slamet – confessed to some of the murders, initially saying he thought he had killed about 11 people, although he did not remember the exact number of deaths or who all his victims were.

Of the nine bodies identified so far, police said that six were men aged between about 40 and 50, and three were women aged 25-35.

“He forgot the names and the identities because most of them were residents from outside Banjarnegara. That’s why we are having problems identifying the victims,” Banjarnegara Police Chief Hendri Yulianto told a press conference on Sunday.

Tohari is said to be famous in Banjarnegara – an area of Indonesia known for a high concentration of black-magic practitioners – as a traditional dukun or shaman who told clients he could increase their wealth by performing spells, and who advertised his services on Facebook.

Indonesia shaman’s arrest for at least 12 murders reignites serial killer concerns

45-year-old Tohari, also known as Mbah Slamet, has confessed to some killings, police say, but does not recall exact number of deaths or who all victims were Well-known in his area, he told clients he could increase their wealth by performing spells; instead, he allegedly poisoned them

45-year-old Tohari, also known as Mbah Slamet, has confessed to some killings, police say, but does not recall exact number of deaths or who all victims were

Well-known in his area, he told clients he could increase their wealth by performing spells; instead, he allegedly poisoned them