Deputy Minister for Human Rights Urges Police to Investigate Acid Attack on KontraS Activist
Jakarta — Deputy Minister for Human Rights Mugiyanto has condemned reports that Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of KontraS, was attacked with acid by an unknown assailant. The attack resulted in serious injuries across Yunus’s body, particularly affecting his hands, face, chest, and eyes.
“Such violence cannot be accepted in a nation that places law and human rights as the foundation of communal life,” Mugiyanto told Republika on Friday (13 March 2026).
Mugiyanto expressed hope that Yunus would receive the best medical care for a swift recovery and pledged to monitor the incident closely.
“The Ministry of Human Rights will oversee the handling of this case and hopes that the legal process proceeds seriously and delivers justice for the victim,” Mugiyanto said.
Mugiyanto stressed that such incidents must not be normalised and urged law enforcement to investigate the attack thoroughly. “Anyone has the right to express opinions, offer criticism, and advocate on public issues without living under the threat of violence,” he added.
Mugiyanto asserted that attacking someone because of their human rights defence work is an act that undermines public safety and damages democratic principles. He contended that the attack contradicts President Prabowo’s first priority agenda and undermines efforts by the Human Rights Ministry to strengthen respect for human rights.
“I call on law enforcement to investigate this incident seriously and transparently so that the perpetrators and motives behind the attack can be quickly uncovered,” Mugiyanto said.
Mugiyanto also warned that law enforcement must ensure there is no perception that violence against human rights defenders can occur without legal consequences. He emphasised that the state has an obligation to protect all citizens from violence, including those working to advance human rights.
“We have incorporated protection for human rights defenders into the revision of the Human Rights Law that we are currently drafting,” Mugiyanto stated.
The attack occurred shortly after Yunus had finished recording a podcast at the office of the Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia” at approximately 23:00 Western Indonesian Time. Following the incident, Yunus was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment. Medical examination revealed he sustained burns covering 24 per cent of his body.