Demonstration at UGM Roundabout Demands Full Investigation into Acid Attack on KontraS Activist

Hundreds of civil society activists, comprising women and students, held a peaceful demonstration at the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) roundabout demanding a full investigation into the acid attack against Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Disappeared Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS).

During the demonstration, numerous participants, both men and women, gathered at the UGM roundabout. Several demonstrators carried placards reading “EVEN MORE BRAVE BECAUSE OF ANDRIE”, “We ARE WITH ANDRIE”, and “We CONDEMN the violence of acid attack against Andrie”.

Chila, a representative of the demonstration, explained that participants comprised members of Indonesian Women’s Voice (Suara Ibu Indonesia), Vocal Women (Ibu Berisik), and activists from various cross-organisational and cross-campus networks. She described the afternoon gathering as an act of solidarity with Andrie.

“This demonstration expresses solidarity with our brother Andrie Yunus, who has recently become a victim of the brutality of this regime, who was attacked with acid by an unknown person,” Chila told journalists at the UGM roundabout in Sleman on Saturday, 14 March 2026.

According to Chila, Andrie’s experience serves as a warning signal for civil society to strengthen its position. This includes gathering together and reinforcing bonds of solidarity with Andrie.

“Broadly speaking, our demands are to fully resolve Andrie Yunus’s case and to uncover who masterminded the acid attack, which has been veiled by the term ‘unknown person’,” she stated.

The organisers also want the state to play a genuine role in handling the acid attack case against Andrie, and the state must uncover who the actors behind the case are.

“We want the state to clearly reveal who is responsible, not only the perpetrators on the ground but also the intellectual architects. We also want assurances from the state that human rights defenders will not be criminalised, that they can speak freely and advocate for the rights of civil society,” she said.

The peaceful demonstration was conducted in various forms, including carrying placards and flowers, which were to be distributed to participants and the public. Additionally, an open forum would be held where anyone from any background could deliver poetry, speeches, expressions of solidarity, or prayers for Andrie’s recovery and rehabilitation.