Acid Attack on Andrie: ICJR Deems It Attempted Premeditated Murder
The Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (ICJR) has assessed the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, as potentially constituting attempted premeditated murder under criminal law. ICJR Executive Director Erasmus Napitupulu explained that premeditated murder comprises the intent to kill a person preceded by planning.
The nature of the attack is evidenced by the targeting of the acid splash towards Andrie Yunus’s face, including his respiratory system. “This demonstrates that the perpetrator deliberately knew that his actions could result in the victim’s death,” Napitupulu stated in a written statement.
Napitupulu further noted that the choice of acid as a weapon indicates deliberate planning. He explained that hydrochloric acid is a hazardous substance that is difficult to store and transport, suggesting the perpetrator must have prepared in advance.
ICJR suspects that Andrie Yunus was followed prior to the acid attack, and that he had received threats from unknown individuals, both factors strengthening evidence of premeditation. Under the new Indonesian Criminal Code, premeditated murder carries a potential death penalty under Article 459, whilst attempted premeditated murder carries a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment under Article 17(4).
“The attack on Andrie must be regarded as a serious crime warranting full attention from law enforcement,” Napitupulu said.
ICJR has urged police to comprehensively investigate all intellectual authors involved in the attack on the human rights activist, including the network of perpetrators supporting the acid attack. The organisation suspects the attack was organised and involved multiple parties beyond the two individuals suspected of carrying out the acid assault and operating the motorcycle.
On the evening of 12 March 2026, Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid whilst on Jalan Salemba I-Talang in Central Jakarta. Two unknown individuals on a motorcycle approached from the opposite direction and sprayed acid onto the front of his body. Following the attack, Andrie collapsed to the ground in severe pain.
The attack occurred shortly after Andrie had finished recording a podcast titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia” at the office of the Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) in Central Jakarta. The corrosive chemical struck Andrie’s right side, including his eyes, face, chest, and hands, with some of his clothing melting from the acid.
Medical records show Andrie sustained burns covering 24 per cent of his body and underwent eye surgery as a result of the corrosive splash.