Deputy Human Rights Minister demands serious investigation into acid attack on KontraS activist
Jakarta — Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Human Rights, Mugiyanto, has called upon law enforcement to conduct a serious and transparent investigation into an acid attack against Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS).
“I urge law enforcement officials to investigate this incident thoroughly and transparently so that the perpetrators and motives behind the attack can be quickly revealed,” Mugiyanto said, confirming his remarks in Jakarta on Friday.
According to him, firm law enforcement is essential to prevent the impression that violence against human rights defenders can occur without clear legal consequences. He emphasised that the state has an obligation to protect its citizens from acts of violence.
“This includes those working to champion human rights. Protection of human rights defenders has been incorporated into the amendment to the Human Rights Law that we are currently drafting,” he added.
The Deputy Minister expressed concern over the incident affecting the KontraS vice-coordinator.
“I hope he receives the best medical treatment and makes a quick recovery. I personally feel deeply saddened by why this incident had to occur,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also strongly condemned the incident, stating that such violence is unacceptable in a nation that places law and human rights as the foundation of communal life.
According to Mugiyanto, such acts should not be normalised. Everyone has the right to express views, offer criticism, and advocate on public issues without the shadow of threat.
“An attack on a person because of their work in human rights defence is an act that undermines citizens’ sense of security and damages democratic principles,” he asserted.
He argued that the acid attack against Andrie Yunus undermines the first point of President Prabowo Subianto’s Astacita (presidential vision), which is to strengthen Pancasila ideology, democracy, and human rights.
“Such action undermines the Human Rights Ministry’s efforts to improve respect for human rights,” he stated.
Therefore, Mugiyanto pledged that his ministry would monitor the case.
“The Human Rights Ministry will oversee the development of this case’s handling and hopes the legal process proceeds earnestly and delivers justice for the victim. We will also work to prevent such incidents from happening again,” he said.
Yunus was attacked by an unknown individual in Central Jakarta on Thursday evening, 12 March. He was sprayed with acid and sustained injuries to his hands and legs, as well as vision impairment.
The incident occurred shortly after Andrie completed a podcast recording at the Office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) discussing topics on militarism and constitutional review of the Military Law.
Dimas Bagus Arya, coordinator of KontraS’s Working Body, described the attack as a serious act of violence against a human rights defender that must be addressed through a comprehensive investigation by law enforcement.
“This incident is an attempt to silence critical voices in society, particularly human rights defenders,” Dimas said in a written statement in Jakarta on Friday.