First Aid for Caustic Acid Burns: Learning from the Andrie Yunus Case

A human rights activist and Vice Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Andrie Yunus, was reportedly victimised by an unknown assailant who threw caustic acid on him. Exposure to caustic liquids such as sulphuric acid (H2SO4) or hydrochloric acid (HCl) constitutes a medical emergency that can cause permanent chemical burns within seconds. Proper treatment in the initial minutes is critical in determining the victim’s recovery prospects.

The most crucial step is to flush the affected area with flowing water as extensively as possible for 20 to 60 minutes. Use clean water at normal temperature. Do not use stagnant water, as the corrosive substance will continue to adhere to tissue.

Immediately remove clothing, shoes, or jewellery that has come into contact with the chemical liquid. If clothing is stuck to the wound, cut around the affected area but do not forcibly pull away sections already adhered to the skin.

If caustic acid contacts the eyes, rinse slowly with flowing water. Angle the head towards the affected eye so that rinsing water does not flow to the unaffected eye. Do not rub the eyes.

All cases of caustic acid exposure require professional medical evaluation. Proceed immediately to an emergency department if signs of serious injury are present.

KontraS has urged the identification and apprehension of those responsible for the caustic acid attack on Andrie Yunus. The Deputy Minister of Human Rights, Mugiyanto, strongly condemned the attack. The National Police Commission (Kompolnas) also issued a forceful condemnation of the incident, which occurred in the Salemba area of Central Jakarta on the evening of 12 March. The attack underscores critical gaps in the protection of human rights defenders in Indonesia.