Government Appreciates Polri's Swift Identification of Suspect in Acid Attack

The government, through the Indonesian State Communication Agency (Bakom), appreciates the swift actions of the National Police (Polri) in successfully identifying the suspected perpetrator in the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. Head of Bakom, Angga Raka Prabowo, stated that Polri’s identification efforts through witness examinations, evidence analysis, and on-site data constitute a crucial part of ensuring law enforcement based on evidence. “We appreciate the police’s efforts in handling this case, which quickly succeeded in identifying the perpetrator. The government expresses deep concern over this incident and hopes that brother Andrie Yunus can recover soon,” Angga said in his statement on Wednesday (18/3). On Wednesday, the Metro Jaya Regional Police revealed two suspected perpetrators in the acid attack on Andrie, with initials BHC and MAK. This identification occurred on the same day as the announcement by the TNI Military Police Centre (Puspom) regarding the arrest of four soldiers suspected of involvement in the attack on Andrie. Puspom TNI stated that the suspects, with initials NDP, SL, BHW, and ES, are currently being examined for further investigation. According to Angga, the swift and professional response of law enforcement agencies is an important element in maintaining public trust amid sensitive situations. “We note the swift and professional steps of the apparatus, both Polri and Puspom TNI, as part of an open and evidence-based law enforcement process,” he said. Angga emphasised that any acts of violence against citizens cannot be tolerated. The government is committed to ensuring that the legal process proceeds firmly, transparently, and accountably in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. “Whoever the perpetrator is must be processed according to the applicable law,” Angga stressed. In the same statement, Angga also underlined that the alleged involvement of individuals in this incident does not reflect the institution as a whole. The state has an interest in maintaining institutional integrity while ensuring public trust remains guaranteed. The government respects the TNI’s open handling of the alleged involvement of its members. This reflects the commitment of state institutions to maintaining discipline, professionalism, and integrity in the face of the public. Amid the ongoing legal process, the government urges the public to remain calm and not to spread unverified information. “The government urges the public to remain wise in responding to information and not to spread unverified information,” Angga said. The government is also committed to overseeing this process to completion and ensuring protection for every citizen in exercising their rights. “The state ensures that democratic space remains safe and protected,” Angga said.