Activist Assaulted with Acid by TNI's BAIS, Government Ensures Democratic Space Remains Secure

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Head of the Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom), Angga Raka Prabowo, has assured that the state is protecting democratic space to keep it secure.

According to Angga, the government is committed to seeing through the case of the acid attack by four soldiers from the TNI’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus.

“The state ensures that democratic space remains safe and protected,” said Angga in his statement on Wednesday (18/3/2026).

He stated that this effort is an important part of ensuring that law enforcement proceeds on an evidence-based basis.

“The government conveys its deep concern over this incident and hopes that Mr Andrie Yunus can recover soon,” Angga remarked.

He conveyed that the swift and professional response of law enforcement apparatus is an important element in maintaining public trust amid a sensitive situation.

“We note the swift and professional steps taken by the apparatus, both Polri and Puspom TNI, as part of the ongoing evidence-based and transparent law enforcement process,” Angga explained.

“Whoever the perpetrators are must be processed in accordance with applicable law,” Angga stressed.

Furthermore, Angga emphasised that the alleged involvement of individuals in this incident does not reflect the institution as a whole.

He stated that the state has an interest in maintaining institutional integrity while ensuring that public trust remains intact.

“The government urges the public to remain wise in responding to information and not to spread unverified information,” Angga added.

Andrie Yunus was doused with acid by unidentified individuals in Central Jakarta on Thursday night (12/3/2026).