Government Condemns Violence Against Andrie Yunus
Jakarta – The Indonesian government has strongly condemned all forms of violence against its citizens, particularly the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), which occurred on Thursday 12 March in the evening.
The Head of Indonesia’s Government Communications Agency (Bakom), Angga Raka Prabowo, stated that violent acts cannot be justified in a state governed by law and must be prosecuted in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
“The government expresses deep concern over the incident that befell Andrie Yunus. We strongly condemn every act of violence against anyone,” Angga said in his statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
He stated that the government expressed deep concern over the incident experienced by Andrie Yunus. Angga hoped that the victim would receive optimal medical treatment and recover from the impact of the incident.
“The government affirms that every citizen has the right to express opinions peacefully in democratic life, and differences of opinion should not be answered with violence,” he said.
Angga also emphasised the importance of a thorough investigation into the incident. According to him, law enforcement officials are expected to investigate the case professionally, transparently, and thoroughly so as to provide legal certainty and a sense of justice for the victim.
“Every act of violence must be prosecuted firmly in accordance with applicable law. The government hopes that the law enforcement process can proceed well so that the perpetrators can be held accountable,” Angga said.
It is known that Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of KontraS, became a victim of an attack by unknown assailants who threw acid, resulting in injuries to his hands and feet as well as vision disturbances.
The incident occurred shortly after Andrie finished recording a podcast at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) which discussed militarism and a constitutional review of the Armed Forces Law.
Based on initial information gathered, the victim on Thursday 12 March in the evening at approximately 23:37 Western Indonesia Time was riding a motorcycle on Jalan Salemba I in Central Jakarta.
Two perpetrators using a motorcycle then approached the victim and threw acid before fleeing.
As a result of the attack, the victim sustained burns on approximately 24 per cent of his body and was immediately taken to hospital for emergency medical treatment, particularly to his eyes which were exposed to the liquid.