DPR: Acid Attack on Andrie Yunus is Resistance to Prabowo's Commitments

Jakarta (ANTARA) — The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III stated that the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), represents resistance to President Prabowo Subianto’s government commitment to maximising the protection, advancement, enforcement, and fulfilment of human rights.

Commission III Chair Habiburokhman explained that President Prabowo’s administration is committed to strengthening human rights protection and promotion. This conclusion was reached during a special session of Commission III regarding the Yunus case.

“We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn this acid attack because it is not merely ordinary crime but rather a crime against democracy,” Habiburokhman stated at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Monday.

He emphasised that Andrie Yunus is entitled to protection under both Indonesian national law and international law that has been ratified by the Republic of Indonesia, as both a citizen and a human rights defender.

As an ally, he also requested the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) to coordinate and provide special protection to Andrie Yunus, his family, his organisation, and other related parties to ensure their safety and prevent further violence.

Previously, KontraS Vice Coordinator Andrie Yunus was attacked by an unknown assailant who threw acid, causing injuries to his hands and feet as well as vision impairment.

The incident occurred shortly after Yunus finished recording a podcast at the Indonesia Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office discussing militarism and constitutional testing of the Armed Forces Law.

According to initial information, the victim was riding a motorcycle on Salemba I Street in Jakarta on Thursday 12 March at approximately 23:37 WIB when the attack occurred.