Caustic Acid Attack Constitutes Violation of Citizens' Right to Safety

JAKARTA — The caustic acid attack on Kontras activist Andrie Yunus represents a violation of citizens’ right to safety guaranteed by the state. The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has urged the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to investigate the case, identify the perpetrators, and bring them before the law. Komnas HAM has also recommended that the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) provide protection to the victim and witnesses related to the incident.

“The attack experienced by Andrie Yunus is a violation of the right to safety of citizens guaranteed by the state,” said Komnas HAM Chairwoman Anis Hidayah in a press statement on Saturday (14 March 2026). Citizens’ right to security is protected under Article 28G of the 1945 Constitution and Articles 28 to 35 of Law No. 39/1999 on Human Rights.

“Every person has the right to be protected physically and psychologically, including protection of their person, family, honour, dignity, and property,” Anis stated. The attack on Andrie Yunus is suspected to have had a specific motive. Given Yunus’s activities as an activist and member of Kontras and the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD), which have consistently advocated for human rights defence in Indonesia, the assault appears targeted.

“There is strong reason to suspect that the attack is part of assaults directed at human rights defence work carried out by him,” Anis said. Komnas HAM has requested that Polri conduct investigation and prosecution to identify the perpetrators and the precise motive for the attack, and bring those responsible before the law.

“The police should conduct investigation and prosecution in an independent, prompt, transparent, and accountable manner in handling this case,” Anis stated. “And the Witness and Victim Protection Agency should provide protection to the victim and parties related to the assault if needed.”

Komnas HAM’s team has already conducted preliminary investigation and sought statements. “Komnas HAM has directly visited the victim’s family at the hospital, where they are accompanying the victim undergoing medical treatment for the injuries sustained from the attack,” Anis said.

Andrie Yunus is Deputy Coordinator of Kontras. On the evening of Thursday (12 March 2026), he was attacked with caustic acid. The incident occurred after Yunus returned home from recording a podcast at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office in Central Jakarta. CCTV footage shows that two assailants on a motorcycle carried out the caustic acid attack. From the assault, Andrie Yunus sustained 24 per cent burns across his body, with caustic acid striking his right and left hands, face, chest, and eyes.