CCTV Footage Captures Attack on Human Rights Activist with Caustic Substance
Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, Andrie Yunus, was attacked with caustic liquid by unknown perpetrators on Jalan Salemba I, Senen, Central Jakarta. The attack was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV).
In CCTV footage that circulated, it appeared initially that two men on a motorbike passed the location. Both turned their motorcycle around until they encountered the victim.
The victim, who was riding a motorbike at the time, was doused with caustic liquid by the attackers. Immediately the victim felt the heat and dropped his motorcycle on the roadside, screaming hysterically.
“Ah… ah… ah…. hot… hot… hot. Caustic liquid… caustic liquid. Oh God help me, caustic liquid… caustic liquid… caustic liquid,” the victim shouted, as seen in CCTV footage on Friday (13/3/2026).
The victim immediately removed his clothing. His shirt was torn and his body blistered from the caustic substance.
The victim’s screams immediately attracted the attention of residents. People arrived at the scene, with some carrying sharp weapons.
“LBH, yes? LBH?” asked residents.
“KontraS,” replied the victim.
Police Investigation
Head of Public Relations of Metro Jaya Police, Brigadier General Budi Hermanto, confirmed the incident and assured that the police force is currently investigating the case thoroughly. The incident was reported to have occurred on Thursday (12/3) evening.
“We confirm the incident of alleged dousing with hazardous liquid against a victim in the Salemba area, Central Jakarta,” said Brigadier General Budi Hermanto in his statement on Friday (13/03/2026).
Budi Hermanto said the victim had received medical treatment at RSCM hospital after suffering injuries on several parts of his body.
“The victim has currently received medical treatment at RSCM, and the police force is conducting a comprehensive investigation to identify the perpetrators and the motive behind the incident,” he added.
Brigadier General Budi emphasised that Metro Jaya Police would handle this case seriously and professionally. Police also appealed to members of the public who have information related to the incident to report immediately.
KontraS Response
Coordinator of the KontraS Working Body, Dimas Bagus Arya, explained that the attack on Andrie Yunus occurred at 23:00 WIB on Thursday (12/3) evening, after the victim had conducted a podcast at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation office (YLBHI) entitled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”.
Following the incident, Andrie Yunus was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment. From examination results, Andrie suffered burns covering 24 per cent of his body.
“Based on information we have gathered, we assess that this caustic liquid attack is an attempt to silence critical voices in society, particularly human rights defenders, which, when referring to Law Number 39 of 1999 Concerning Human Rights, Article 66 of Law Number 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, and Regulation of the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights Number 5 of 2015 on Procedures for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders,” explained Dimas.
Dimas called for law enforcement officials to investigate the incident comprehensively. His organisation hopes that police can identify the perpetrators and the motive behind the caustic liquid attack.
“This incident must receive widespread attention from various parties, including law enforcement agencies and civil society. The police force must immediately conduct an investigation to identify the perpetrators and the motive behind the attack. Given that caustic liquid attacks against victims can result in serious fatal injuries that could lead to death,” said Dimas.