Commission X Chair Hetifah Expresses Concern Over Acid Attack on Activist Andrie Yunus
Commission X Chair of the House of Representatives Hetifah Sjaifudian has expressed concern over an act of violence against Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), who was attacked with acid by an unknown assailant.
Hetifah conveyed her concerns during a discussion with education journalists and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) on smart journalism, held at the Mega Anggrek Hotel in West Jakarta on Sunday, 15 March.
Regarding the case, she emphasised that efforts to advocate for public rights continue to face significant challenges and high risks. The brutal incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, 12 March in Central Jakarta.
“On this occasion, I wish to express my concern over the incident that befell our friend Andrie Yunus, a KontraS activist,” she stated.
Hetifah, who was previously an activist with a civil society organisation, understands the risks frequently faced by civil society actors when championing public and citizen rights. “As a former NGO activist, I recognise that efforts to advocate for public rights currently face significant challenges and risks,” she asserted.
She emphasised that the brutal act of acid attack against Andrie is an act that cannot be justified and cannot be accepted by anyone.
Hetifah also highlighted threats faced by journalists, who are pillars of democracy that must be protected. “Other threats, particularly against journalists, are also occurring. You are all pillars of democracy and must be protected,” she concluded.
Smart journalism itself is a journalistic practice that utilises artificial intelligence technology without diminishing human accountability.
Hetifah stated that regulation alone is insufficient. She stressed the need to build an educational ecosystem characterised by empathy.
If school principals are removed for disciplinary breaches, the message reaching the public is that teachers lack adequate protection.
Educational evaluation should not focus solely on cognitive aspects but should also consider character, critical thinking ability, and the social context of students.
Hetifah proposed educational funding reform through optimisation of the 20 per cent education budget and reallocation of non-urgent project funds.
The attack represents a form of brutal intimidation threatening civil liberties in Indonesia.
President Prabowo Subianto has issued a direct order to National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to conduct a thorough investigation of the attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus and identify those intellectually behind it.
The attack experienced by Andrie constitutes a premeditated crime. A similar attack was previously suffered by former KPK investigator Novel Baswedan.
Democracy requires all parties to uphold mutual respect, including when differing viewpoints exist.
The acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), has drawn strong condemnation.