Deputy Coordinator of KontraS Doused with Acid; DPR Member: This is an Attempted Murder

A member of the Parliamentary Commission III from the PKB faction, Abdullah, has urged the National Police to thoroughly investigate the acid attack against Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS). Abdullah characterises the brutal attack as an attempted murder and a deliberate form of intimidation against human rights defenders in Indonesia.

“We strongly condemn this action. This is not merely an ordinary crime, but an alleged attempted murder of an activist who vocally champions human rights. The police must act swiftly, apprehend the perpetrator, and prosecute under aggravated charges,” Abdullah stated on Friday, 13 March.

Abdullah highlighted the suspicious nature of the incident, noting that no valuables belonging to the victim were stolen. This strongly suggests the attack was a premeditated action to silence critical voices in civil society, rather than a robbery or mugging.

“The fact that no items were stolen indicates this was not a robbery, but a premeditated attack intended to terrorise the victim. All forms of violence against human rights defenders represent a genuine threat to our democracy,” he said.

Abdullah called on law enforcement to immediately secure all CCTV footage from the vicinity of the incident in Menteng, Central Jakarta. He also pressed police to investigate the possibility of masterminds or intellectual actors behind the acid attack.

He emphasised that the National Police’s transparency in handling the case involving the KontraS leadership is crucial for ensuring citizens’ sense of security in exercising free speech.

“The police must work professionally and be accountable. Reveal who the perpetrators are and who is behind them. This case cannot be left to drag on without legal certainty,” Abdullah concluded.

Previously, Andrie Yunus was doused with acid by an unknown assailant in the Salemba area, Central Jakarta, late Thursday evening, 12 March. At the time, Andrie was returning after completing a podcast recording regarding criticism of remilitarisation. As a result of the attack, Andrie Yunus sustained severe chemical burns to his face, eyes, chest, and both hands.