From Jakarta to Babel, Acid Attacks Spark Concern

A series of acid attack cases have resurfaced in various regions over the past few weeks, from Jakarta to Bangka Belitung. This string of incidents has sparked public concern, especially since some cases target individuals from different backgrounds, including activists. Here is a summary of several recent acid attack cases. 1. Terror against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus in Jakarta The acid attack case against KontraS Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus still leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the perpetrator’s motive. Andrie was attacked on Thursday night (12/3) after attending an event at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office. “He has experienced an acid attack by an unknown person (OTK) resulting in serious injuries across his body, particularly on his hands, face, chest, and eyes,” said KontraS Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya in a written statement on Friday (13/3). In case developments, four TNI members have been named as suspects and detained since 18 March 2026. The case handling has also been transferred from Polda Metro Jaya to Puspom TNI. Nevertheless, three weeks after the incident, authorities have yet to reveal the motive behind the attack. 2. Man doused with acid after dawn prayers in Bekasi A similar case occurred in South Tambun, Bekasi, West Java. A man became a victim of an acid attack by an unknown person after dawn prayers on Monday (30/3). Police have arrested the perpetrator but have not disclosed the identity or motive of the attack. “Yes [the perpetrator has been arrested],” said Bekasi Metro Police Chief Kombes Sumarni via text message on Thursday (2/4). She stated that case details would be provided in a follow-up press conference. Based on circulating video, the victim is seen in pain after being attacked by two perpetrators on a motorcycle. 3. Environmental activist in Babel suspected of acid attack In Bangka Belitung, environmental activist Muhammad Rosidi is also suspected to have been a victim of an acid attack on Monday night (30/3) in Toboali. The attack was carried out by a perpetrator who threw acidic liquid at the victim while he was inside a car. As a result, Rosidi suffered burns on several parts of his body. Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR Ahmad Sahroni urged the police to immediately investigate the case. “I ask the Bangka Belitung Police Chief to be firm and take direct action. Whoever the perpetrator is must be immediately revealed to the public clearly,” said Sahroni in his statement on Thursday (2/4). He assessed that this pattern of attacks is concerning, especially if it targets critical parties. “This is clearly structured terror, not just for activists, but for all of us. This is truly very worrying. Now it’s just been discovered there’s an incident in Babel. Who next? It could happen to anyone out there,” said Sahroni.