Commission III strongly condemns attack on KontraS activist
Jakarta — The head of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Habiburokhman, has strongly condemned the acid attack on KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence) activist Andrie Yunus and has assured that the commission will monitor the case closely.
Habib, in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday, said that his office had contacted the head of the Metro Jaya Regional Police and requested that police move quickly to investigate the case and arrest the perpetrators.
“We will ensure that Commission III continues to oversee this case so that the investigation proceeds swiftly and professionally. We demand that the state fully bear the costs of the best medical treatment so that he can recover quickly,” he said.
Andrie Yunus, he added, must also receive maximum protection to ensure he remains safe from threats of further violence.
Habib stressed that there should be no tolerance for any form of violence against citizens. All differences of opinion, in whatever form, should not be responded to with violence and thuggery.
“Article 28G of the 1945 Constitution clearly stipulates that every person has the right to personal protection and has the right to feel secure and protected from the threat of fear to do or not do something that constitutes a human right,” he said.
KontraS Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus became the victim of an attack by unknown assailants who splashed acid, causing wounds to his hands and feet as well as damage to his vision.
The incident occurred shortly after Andrie had finished recording a podcast at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) that discussed topics of militarism and constitutional testing of the Armed Forces Law.
Based on initial information gathered, the victim on Thursday (12 March) at approximately 23:37 WIB was riding a motorcycle on Jalan Salemba I, Central Jakarta.
Two perpetrators using a motorcycle then approached the victim and splashed acid before fleeing.
As a result of the attack, the victim suffered burns affecting approximately 24 per cent of his body and was immediately taken to hospital to receive emergency medical treatment, particularly to his eyes which were affected by the liquid.
Meanwhile, the head of the Police Public Relations Division, Inspector General of Police Johnny Eddizon Isir in Jakarta on Friday (13 March), assured that police would investigate the case transparently and impartially.
“We will be serious and earnest in bringing this fully to light, uncovering and apprehending the perpetrators, whoever they may be. Of course, we will remain within the proper procedures and channels,” he said.