Authorities Urged to Apprehend Intellectual Architects Behind Attack on Activist Andrie Yunus
The National Police (Polri) have received full backing and close oversight from various quarters regarding their investigation into the acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of KontraS. The House of Representatives (DPR) RI, alongside a coalition of civil society organisations, has pressed law enforcement to move swiftly in apprehending the intellectual architects behind the terror attack.
Commission III of the DPR RI expressed total support for Polri’s investigative efforts. The Commission emphasised that resolving this case is not merely an ordinary criminal matter, but rather a test of the state’s capacity to protect citizens from intimidation that damages democracy.
“Commission III fully supports the steps taken by the National Police Chief and his ranks to mobilise all of Polri’s best resources so that perpetrators are quickly identified. We urge the apprehension of all those involved—those who planned, ordered, executed, and assisted in the attack—swiftly and transparently,” stated Rudianto Lallo, a member of Commission III, during a public discussion organised by the Indonesian Discourse Circle (LiDI) on Tuesday, 17 March.
Rudianto strongly condemned the attack on the KontraS activist. He emphasised that the victim, Andrie Yunus, has a right to receive legal protection and the best medical care from the state.
“Commission III of the DPR RI requests that the government, specifically the Ministry of Health, guarantee comprehensive financing for the best medical treatment to support the health recovery of Andrie Yunus,” he added.
Precedent for Human Rights Protection
Meanwhile, civil society coalitions continue to advocate for Polri to remain transparent and accountable. The speed with which Polri resolves this case is considered an important precedent for the protection of human rights defenders in the future.
Anti-corruption activist Tama S Langkun expressed appreciation for the police’s initial steps in gathering CCTV footage and witness statements at the crime scene. However, he urged Polri not to stop at apprehending those who carried out the attack.
“With all of Polri’s resources, and naturally with support from other civil society organisations, we urge Polri to thoroughly investigate not only the perpetrators but also the intellectual architects,” said Tama.
He also called for state engagement in the long-term recovery process for the victim, enabling him to resume his role in social oversight.
“We continue to support state involvement in facilitating Andrie Yunus’s recovery so that he can resume his activities and advocacy as a critical civil society member who helps safeguard democracy,” Tama stated.
To date, the police investigative team has been conducting intensive scrutiny. The surge of public support, both through social media and solidarity actions, has provided additional momentum for Polri to shed light on this case, which has garnered national attention.