Former Senior KPK Investigator Novel Baswedan Condemns Acid Attack on KontraS Activist as Heinous Crime

Former senior KPK investigator Novel Baswedan has characterised the perpetrator of an acid attack against Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), as extremely savage. Baswedan has called for the intellectual architects of this case to be urgently exposed.

Baswedan initially assessed that the attacker intended to kill the victim, given that the acid was poured directly onto the victim’s face area.

“He was attacked with the intention to kill. Why? The perpetrator poured acid onto the face area. When acid contacts the face, it would likely cause respiratory failure and could result in death,” said Baswedan during a press conference with the Civil Society Coalition on Friday, 13 March 2026.

“At the very minimum, the perpetrator intended to cause permanent disability. This is how evil the perpetrator is. I want to emphasise that this is an extremely serious and savage crime. The person attacked is a good person—he is critical, he cares, he loves his country,” he added.

Baswedan stated he had reviewed CCTV footage of the attack on Yunus. According to him, the acid attack was carried out in an organised manner.

“The perpetrators did not act alone on motorcycles. No. There were signals executed in the field, which is why the attack was so well-organised. This was a planned attack. So evil are they, absolutely savage,” he said.

Baswedan praised the Indonesian National Police (Polri) for moving swiftly to examine CCTV footage and interview several witnesses. However, he stated the investigation must be thorough.

“Everyone involved must be investigated. The intellectual architects must be reached, engaged, and held accountable severely,” he said.

He also pressed President Prabowo Subianto to pay attention to this case, including providing support to the police to investigate and ensure all perpetrators receive maximum punishment.

“I also urge Mr President to give attention to this matter and to support Polri so they can conduct a thorough investigation and ensure all perpetrators receive the harshest possible punishment,” he explained.

Baswedan reiterated that this act of terror does not frighten members of the Civil Society Coalition. He appreciated their unity and commitment to the public interest.

National Police Chief Provides Attention

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has given special attention to handling the case of the alleged acid attack on Andrie Yunus. Polri has assured that it will investigate the case thoroughly.

“The National Police Chief, as the leader of Polri, has given special attention to handling and solving this case,” said Head of Polri Public Relations Division General Johnny Eddizon Isir at Polri Headquarters in South Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026.

The acid attack on Yunus occurred on Thursday, 12 March, at 23:30, on Jalan Salemba in Central Jakarta. Police have conducted crime scene examination to trace the perpetrator’s identity.

“The handling being carried out by the Criminal Investigation Division of Central Jakarta Police is supported by Metro Jaya Regional Police and the Criminal Investigation Division at Polri Headquarters,” he said.

Isir assured that the investigation and prosecution process would be conducted professionally and based on scientific approaches using crime scene investigation methodology. Investigators are currently conducting in-depth interviews with two witnesses.