Activist Attacked with Caustic Substance; Human Rights Minister Pigai: Criminal Intimidation Must Not Be Tolerated, Full Investigation Demanded
Jakarta — Indonesia’s Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has strongly condemned an alleged acid attack on human rights activist Andri Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS).
Pigai stressed that criminal intimidation cannot be permitted to exist in Indonesia. “I have condemned this firmly. We cannot allow criminal intimidation to exist in this country,” Pigai told journalists in Jakarta on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
According to the minister, differing opinions should be resolved through dialogue and healthy democratic mechanisms, not through violence. He noted that Indonesia’s democracy continues to grow and develop, and emphasised that violence cannot occur against anyone, including activists and civil society organisations.
“This nation is strong because of its civil society community. They serve as checks and balances on all aspects of national and state life,” he stated.
On behalf of the government, Pigai expressed concern over the incident and hoped such occurrences would not happen again. He also urged police to conduct a thorough investigation. “I am calling on the police to investigate this case seriously so that the victim’s family can receive justice. The law must serve this nation and state,” he explained.
Pigai emphasised that the government will monitor the handling of the case and indicated willingness to visit the victim. “We will certainly provide support and oversight. As for visiting, of course that is possible. We will first check where the victim is receiving treatment, whether still in hospital or already discharged,” he said.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening, 12 March 2026, when Andri Yunus was allegedly attacked with caustic liquid by an unknown assailant in the Salemba area of central Jakarta. The case is currently being investigated by the Central Jakarta Metropolitan Police. Police confirmed the victim has received medical treatment following the incident at the Central National Hospital (RSCM).
Police Public Relations Chief Budi Hermanto confirmed the alleged acid attack on the activist. “We can confirm an incident involving an alleged attack with caustic liquid against a victim in the Salemba area, central Jakarta. The victim has received medical treatment at RSCM,” Budi stated on Friday, 13 March 2026.