Commission XIII DPR Demands Investigation into Intellectual Mastermind Behind Attack on KontraS Activist, Referencing Novel Baswedan Case
Jakarta — Commission XIII DPR Chair Willy Aditya has urged police to completely expose those responsible for an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, an activist with the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), including identifying the intellectual masterminds behind the assault.
Aditya referenced the acid attack against KPK investigator Novel Baswedan, which had drawn public attention but was criticised for failing to adequately answer questions about the intellectual architects behind the attack.
“Regarding Andrie from KontraS, police must fully investigate down to the mastermind. There are lessons from the Novel case. Do not repeat its weaknesses in uncovering the brains behind the incident. The causal probabilities must be tested,” Aditya said when contacted on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
Aditya argued that such terrorist acts target not only individuals but also instil fear in society and erode public dialogue space.
“This is not just about Andrie. It is about how citizens’ civic space must be protected from violent extremism,” he stressed.
The Nasdem party politician stated that the Prabowo Subianto administration had from the outset placed human rights issues and terrorism prevention as part of its agenda within the Asta Cita programme.
According to Aditya, safeguarding civic space and public dialogue constitutes an important aspect that must be protected by all stakeholders.
“Pak Prabowo was firm in the Asta Cita regarding terrorism prevention. This will be pursued through reorientation of law enforcement training and social-cultural campaigns,” he explained.
He stressed that he would give serious attention to investigating the acid attack case and would encourage Commission XIII DPR’s working partners to assist law enforcement efforts.
“Andrie is an example of good citizenship. He actively voices concerns that have public impact. For that reason, individuals like him must be protected from the possibility of becoming objects of terror by any party. We must not allow waves of citizens who will resist terror against civic space,” he stated.
Previously, the acid attack against Andrie Yunus was confirmed by KontraS Secretariat Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya. The case has also been confirmed by the Central Jakarta Metro Police, which is conducting an investigation. According to Dimas, the attack was carried out by an unknown person and caused Andrie to suffer serious injuries to various parts of his body.