Acid Attack on KontraS Activist Deemed More Than Ordinary Violence
Jakarta — The dousing of human rights activist Andrie Yunus from the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) with caustic liquid is regarded as an action that undermines the principles of the rule of law.
Law professor and distinguished academic Henry Indraguna from Sultan Agung Islamic University (Unissula) in Semarang assessed the action as more than ordinary violence, but rather a threat against civil society advocacy efforts.
“The attack on Andrie Yunus is not mere violence. This is a threat against efforts to pursue justice, truth, and human rights,” said Henry in a written statement on Monday, 16 March 2026.
According to him, the caustic liquid attack is a form of serious violence because it not only causes severe physical suffering but also has the potential to cause long-term psychological trauma.
From a criminal law perspective, he assessed that the incident demonstrates the presence of intentionality (mens rea) and actual conduct (actus reus) that produces serious consequences.
“The use of caustic liquid shows the perpetrator was aware of the consequences. This is not a spontaneous act,” he said.
Under Indonesian criminal law, said Professor Henry, the act may be categorised as aggravated assault as regulated under Article 354 of the Criminal Code, with a maximum penalty of eight years imprisonment.
“If the act results in death, the penalty can increase to 10 years imprisonment,” he stated.
Additionally, if premeditation is established, the perpetrator may be charged under Article 355 of the Criminal Code concerning premeditated aggravated assault, with a maximum penalty of 12 years imprisonment.
“That article states: Aggravated assault committed with prior planning is punishable by imprisonment of up to 12 years,” he said.
Furthermore, continued Professor Henry, investigators may also consider attempted murder charges if it can be proven that the perpetrator was aware their actions could potentially take the victim’s life, as regulated under Article 338 in conjunction with Article 53 of the Criminal Code.
Henry stressed that the investigation into this case must not stop at the perpetrator in the field. Law enforcement must explore the possibility of other parties being involved.
“It must be investigated whether there is anyone who ordered, planned, or was involved in this attack. The investigation must be comprehensive,” he said.
He also emphasised that violence against human rights activists relates to the protection of civil liberties in a democratic state. Therefore, the state is considered to have an obligation to ensure the safety of citizens and uphold the law impartially.