Gibran Emphasises Need to Maintain Healthy Democracy in Response to Andrie Yunus Attack
Jakarta — Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of every citizen and maintaining a healthy and open democratic space in response to an acid attack against Andrie Yunus, an activist with the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS).
Through a statement from Vice President’s Special Staff Tina Talisa, Gibran expressed deep concern and attention regarding the incident. “The Government expresses profound concern over the attack incident,” said Tina during a statement in Jakarta on Sunday.
She emphasised that violent acts such as acid attacks cannot be justified in a nation and state that upholds the rule of law, humanity, and democratic values.
According to Tina, President Prabowo Subianto has issued clear directives to law enforcement officials to investigate the incident thoroughly, professionally, and transparently in accordance with applicable legal provisions. “The state has an interest in ensuring that every act of violence against citizens is handled seriously and justly,” said Tina.
The Government is ensuring that the victim receives necessary medical treatment and recovery support whilst monitoring the ongoing law enforcement process. The state remains committed to strengthening protections for citizens and ensuring that democratic space is preserved.
The Government has also called upon all parties to place their trust in the legal process and jointly maintain a conducive situation.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, speaking at Gubeng Station in Surabaya, East Java on Sunday, stated that President Prabowo Subianto has issued an order to the National Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the Andrie Yunus case. He indicated that police are currently gathering various information and have opened a complaints desk for the public.
Previously, on 12 March 2026, Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid whilst riding a motorcycle after recording a podcast at the office of the Indonesia Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), which discussed topics of militarism and the review of the Law on the Indonesian National Armed Forces. The YLBHI has characterised the attack on Andrie Yunus as an alleged premeditated murder.