A shocking murder case out of Indonesia has sparked headlines after the suspect allegedly cited One Piece as part of his motivation for killing. But as details emerge, the situation is far more complicated than an anime reference gone wrong.
On August 10, 2025, local police in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, arrested a man named Julius (33–34) on suspicion of killing his wife and two children using a machete. The crime occurred in Kampung Punan Mahakam, a remote village in the Segah District, and has rattled the quiet community.
Initial reports by Berita Satu confirmed that Julius was the only suspect and was apprehended shortly after the incident. While the case itself would already be devastating on its own, things took a bizarre turn once authorities began questioning him.
Here is a translation of the key parts of his dialogue with the person filming, believed to be a police officer:
When asked if “One Piece” was the reason, he replies: “Because of One Piece.”
The person filming asks: “You killed them?”
The man explains his motive: “Yes, I did not fulfill the living requirements of One Piece. I was scolded by One Piece.”
Seeking clarity, the officer asks: “So you killed your wife and children because of One Piece?”
The man confirms: “Yes.”
When asked directly if he committed the murders because of the anime, Julius replied simply, “Yes.”
The footage quickly spread across Indonesian social media, triggering a wave of reactions, from confusion to outrage, and raising questions about whether pop culture played any real role in the tragedy.
Police: Don’t Blame the Anime Just Yet
Authorities were quick to step in and clarify the situation. According to AKP Ngatijan, head of public relations for the Berau police, the case is being treated primarily as the result of domestic conflict, not media influence.
There are no signs of infidelity or any third-party involvement. Instead, investigators are working with psychiatric specialists to assess Julius’s mental condition. He is currently undergoing a formal psychological evaluation at RSUD Abdul Rivai, a regional hospital in Berau.
Reports confirm that the victims were Julius’s wife and two biological children, aged approximately 5 and 4. Some outlets also reported that the wife was six months pregnant, but police have not officially confirmed this detail.
So far, authorities have asked the public and media to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to proceed respectfully.
One Piece is one of the most successful anime franchises of all time. Created by Eiichiro Oda, the series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they search for the legendary treasure, the “One Piece.” The manga began in 1997, and the anime, still ongoing, premiered in 1999.
While Julius’s comments have drawn global attention, investigators caution that his references to One Piece reflect a possible psychological delusion, not the true motive behind the crime.
Police are continuing to collect forensic evidence, interview neighbors, and await psychiatric test results. Once the mental health evaluation is complete, prosecutors will determine how to proceed with formal charges.
As it stands, the suspect remains in custody. The One Piece comments, while sensational, are being treated by authorities as part of a mental health crisis, not a literal motive tied to anime.
Sources: TV One, Berita Satu, TikTok
