Facts Surrounding the Investigation into the Andrie Yunus Attack
The case of a corrosive liquid attack against activist Andrie Yunus of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) continues to develop, with recent findings revealing the steps taken by authorities and Andrie’s condition following the incident. The following are key facts regarding the investigation:
- TNI Opens Internal Investigation
Military headquarters has commenced an internal investigation following growing public opinion regarding alleged involvement of state apparatus. The head of the TNI Information Centre, Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, stated that this step was taken in response to public concern. “We are responding to the opinion developing in society,” said Aulia in Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. He assured that the investigation would be conducted professionally and involve various units within the TNI, though he did not detail the methodology to be employed.
- Police Identify Four Suspected Perpetrators
Investigators from the Metro Jaya Police Department have revealed four individuals allegedly involved in the attack. The Director of the General Criminal Investigation Division at the Metro Jaya Police Department, Iman Imanuddin, stated that the suspects are believed to have tracked the victim’s movements prior to the incident.
Police have also collected 86 CCTV recordings and examined evidence including helmets and containers allegedly used to store the chemical liquid.
- Suspected Organised Attack
The legal team representing Andrie, united under the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD), believe the attack was not spontaneous. TAUD representative Fadhil Alfathan stated there are indicators that the perpetrators worked systematically with defined roles, ranging from surveillance to execution. “We also believe there is evidence of an intellectual architect,” said Fadhil.
- Pressure to Reveal the Mastermind
Andrie’s legal counsel have urged police not only to apprehend the field operatives but also to identify the party that planned the attack. Alghiffari Aqsa recommended the use of technology such as cell tower data analysis and facial recognition to expedite the investigation.
Meanwhile, Afif Abdul Qoyim demanded that the perpetrators be arrested within a week to prevent the loss of evidence.
- Attack Results in Serious Injuries
Andrie was attacked on Thursday evening, 12 March 2026, in the Salemba area of Central Jakarta by two individuals on a motorcycle. The chemical liquid affected the right side of his body, including his eye, face, chest, and hand. Some of his clothing also melted due to the corrosive substance.
Medical examination revealed the victim sustained chemical burns covering approximately 20-24 per cent of his body, along with serious chemical trauma to his right eye.
- Intensive Care at RSCM
Andrie is currently receiving treatment at the Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital (RSUPN). The hospital stated that his condition is stable and not life-threatening, though he is experiencing vision impairment due to corneal damage.
Separately, the Health Ministry has assured that all of Andrie’s medical costs will be covered. Health Ministry spokesperson Widyawati stated that treatment would be provided free of charge until the victim recovers.
Deputy Human Rights Minister Mugiyanto Sipin made a similar statement, affirming that the state would cover the entire recovery process.
KontraS views this case as more than mere criminal conduct. The head of KontraS’s Impunity Monitoring Division, Jane Rosalina, stated that the attack on Andrie potentially constitutes a human rights violation. “What Andrie experienced is not merely an ordinary criminal offence,” she said.