Commission III of the People's Consultative Assembly Urges National Police to Expose Actors Behind Attack on Human Rights Activist

The Commission III of the People’s Consultative Assembly held a special session responding to the acid attack against Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras). The Assembly emphasised that the assault against the human rights defender constitutes not merely ordinary criminality, but a genuine threat to democracy.

Habiburokhman, Chair of Commission III, stated that the session represented parliamentary support for civil activist protection. “This morning we held a special Commission III session to respond to the acid attack against our brother Andrie Yunus, a human rights defender and Kontras official,” Habiburokhman said at Parliament Complex on Monday (16 March).

He affirmed Commission III’s strong condemnation of the violent act, deeming it incompatible with democratic climate. “We observe and strongly condemn this acid attack because it is not merely ordinary crime, but rather an assault on democracy,” he stated.

During the session, Commission III issued conclusions bearing binding force under constitutional and legal provisions. First, the Assembly affirmed the state’s obligation to provide protection to Andrie Yunus as a citizen and human rights defender. “Andrie Yunus is entitled to obtain his right to protection, both under national law and international law which Indonesia has ratified,” Habiburokhman said.

Commission III assessed the attack potentially constitutes resistance against the government’s commitment to strengthening human rights protection in Indonesia. “The acid attack against Andrie Yunus represents a form of resistance against President Prabowo Subianto’s government commitment to maximising protection, promotion, enforcement, and fulfilment of human rights,” he stated.

Regarding law enforcement, Commission III urged the National Police to thoroughly investigate the case without stopping at field perpetrators. “Commission III requests the National Police to thoroughly, swiftly, transparently and professionally investigate the acid attack case against Andrie Yunus, and promptly identify and apprehend all perpetrators,” Habiburokhman emphasised.

He stressed investigation must ensnare all persons involved in the crime. “Those who planned, ordered, executed, or provided assistance must be processed according to legal provisions,” he said.

Additionally, Commission III requested the government through the Ministry of Health to guarantee all medical treatment and victim recovery costs. “Commission III requests the government, specifically the Ministry of Health, to guarantee all best treatment costs and health recovery for Andrie Yunus,” Habiburokhman said.

The Assembly also encouraged the National Police to coordinate with the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) to provide special protection to the victim, family, and organisational network. “The National Police and LPSK must coordinate to provide special protection to Andrie Yunus along with family, organisation, and other parties to ensure security against follow-up violence,” he stated.

Habiburokhman affirmed Commission III would continue monitoring case developments through working meetings and hearings with law enforcement officials. “Commission III will continue overseeing the acid attack case against Andrie Yunus to ensure law, truth, and justice are upheld,” he said.