Commission III Urges Police to Find Mastermind Behind Acid Attack on Andrie Yunus

Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives has requested that the National Police (Polri) pursue and arrest the intellectual actors behind the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS.

“Commission III of the DPR requests that Polri conduct a thorough investigation of the acid attack case against Andrie Yunus swiftly, transparently and professionally, and immediately identify and arrest all perpetrators, whether those who planned, ordered, executed or assisted, in accordance with applicable laws,” said Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman following a Commission III meeting on Monday (16 March).

Habiburokhman also requested that Polri and the Witness and Victim Protection Agency coordinate efforts and provide special protection for Andrie and his family as well as his organisation to ensure their safety.

He pledged that Commission III would continue to monitor the handling of this case to ensure justice for Andrie.

“By conducting work meetings and regular public hearings with relevant law enforcement authorities,” he said.

Additionally, Habiburokhman requested that the Ministry of Health guarantee full coverage of medical treatment and health recovery costs for Andrie.

Andrie became a victim of an attack by unknown assailants who doused him with acid on Friday evening (13 March). The acid attack caused wounds to his hands and feet and vision problems. Andrie was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment. Medical examination results indicated that Andrie suffered burns covering 24 per cent of his body.

Separately, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo affirmed Polri’s commitment to resolving the acid attack case. Sigit stated that he received a direct order from President Prabowo Subianto to investigate the matter.

“Regarding the development of the attack on the activist, I have received a direct order from the President to conduct a thorough and professional investigation that is transparent,” General Sigit told reporters whilst monitoring the mudik exodus at Surabaya Gubeng Central Station, East Java, on Sunday.

General Sigit explained that police would use scientific methods to uncover this case. Information gathering continues to be conducted by teams in the field.