Attack on Andrie Yunus Constitutes Intimidation of Critical Stance

Jakarta – Indonesia’s National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) views the violence perpetrated against human rights activist Andrie Yunus as a form of terror, intimidation, and silencing of civil society’s critical stance, which is guaranteed and protected by the constitution and various other laws and regulations.

“We view threats against human rights defenders as threats against all human rights workers, including women defenders who work in sectors and scopes that frequently impact women,” said Komnas Perempuan Deputy Chair Dahlia Madanih when contacted in Jakarta on Sunday.

According to her, prior to the assault, the victim had consistently undertaken a series of policy advocacy and human rights defence work, including advocacy relating to Law No. 03 of 2025 concerning the Indonesian National Military (TNI), which also has implications for women’s lives.

Meanwhile, Komnas Perempuan member Rr Sri Agustini added that the commission urges law enforcement officers to investigate those behind the attack and take legal action against perpetrators in accordance with legal provisions.

“Threats, terror, and assault in any form against human rights activists constitute unlawful acts. Therefore, law enforcement must immediately take firm action by investigating those behind the incident and taking legal action against perpetrators in accordance with legal provisions,” said Sri Agustini.

Previously, KontraS Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus became a victim of an attack by unknown assailants who threw acid, causing injuries to his hands and feet as well as visual impairment.

The incident occurred shortly after Andrie finished recording a podcast at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office that discussed militarism and constitutional review of the Military Law.

The victim, on Thursday evening 12 March at approximately 23:37 Western Indonesia Time, was riding a motorcycle on Jalan Salemba I in Central Jakarta.

Two perpetrators using a motorcycle subsequently approached the victim and threw acid before fleeing the scene.

As a result of the attack, the victim suffered burns covering approximately 24 per cent of his body and was immediately taken to a hospital for emergency medical treatment, particularly for the eyes that were exposed to the liquid.