Government Ministers Condemn Acid Attack on KontraS Activist

The Indonesian government through several ministers has condemned an acid attack targeting Andrie Yunus, an activist from the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS).

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that an attack on human rights activists constitutes an assault on democracy itself.

“The acid attack against Andrie Yunus from KontraS is an attack on democracy itself. Human rights activists work for the interests of the people and the nation, since the upholding of human rights and democracy is a constitutional mandate,” Yusril said in a written statement on Friday (13 March).

According to Yusril, all parties within a democratic system should uphold mutual respect for differing viewpoints. He noted that disagreement is natural and indeed forms an important part of democratic life.

“Attacking democracy and human rights activists, even when disagreeing with them, cannot be justified. In a democracy, everyone should adhere to the principle of respecting differences and diversity because all act for the common good, not for personal interests,” Yusril emphasised.

For this reason, Yusril called on law enforcement officials, particularly the police, to thoroughly investigate the incident. He expressed hope that the investigation would not merely stop at apprehending the perpetrator but would also uncover the motive and potential masterminds behind the attack.

In similar remarks, Head of the Government Communications Agency (Bakom) Angga Raka Prabowo expressed the government’s concern over the incident involving Andrie. He stated that the government condemns all forms of violence occurring in society.

“The government expresses deep concern over the incident that befell Andrie Yunus. We strongly condemn every act of violence against anyone,” Angga said.

Angga added that the government hopes the victim receives the best medical care to recover quickly from his injuries. The government also affirmed that every citizen has the right to express their opinion peacefully within the democratic system.

Angga further noted that differing viewpoints should not be addressed through violence, but rather through dialogue and legal mechanisms.

The government is placing serious attention on the handling of this case. Law enforcement officials are expected to work professionally, transparently and comprehensively so the matter can be fully uncovered.

“Every act of violence must be processed firmly according to applicable law. The government hopes that law enforcement can proceed well so that the perpetrator can be held accountable,” Angga said.

Previously, Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai had also strongly condemned the violent act against Andrie. He emphasised that thuggery cannot be allowed to flourish in Indonesia as it contradicts the principles of a rule of law and democracy.

“This nation is a peaceful and safe country and must never commit violence, let alone pour acid on all Indonesian people,” Pigai said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Friday (13 March).

Mothers’ solidarity action in Yogyakarta

Meanwhile, a group of mothers, activists and students gathered under the Indonesian Women’s Voice movement held a solidarity demonstration for Andrie at the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) roundabout in Sleman, Yogyakarta on Saturday (14 March) afternoon. They also held a joint prayer for Andrie’s recovery.

Before the action commenced, participants first held a poster-raising action around the roundabout. Some of the placards read “We Stand with Andrie”, “Don’t Stay Silent, Fight Back!”, “We Condemn: The Acid-Pouring Violence Against Andrie”, and “Sorry, We’re Not Afraid”.

A representative of the protesters, Cila, stated that the action represented a form of solidarity from various civil society elements gathered to voice support for Andrie whilst strengthening their collective unity.

During the demonstration, the crowd also demanded that the police resolve the acid attack case against Andrie Yunus within a maximum of seven days. The seven-day deadline was seen as the quickest timeframe to demonstrate the state’s seriousness in handling the matter.

She added that if the case remains unresolved within that period, civil society would continue to monitor and pressure the government to ensure that law enforcement proceeds transparently.

“If it takes longer than that (seven days), certainly for civil society we can continuously build collective strength to monitor and pressure from all sides how the state and government should resolve and uncover who the mastermind is,” she said.

According to Cila, the incident involving Andrie Yunus poses a real threat to civil society, including journalists and activists who have been voicing various public issues.

She also noted that this case was not the first of its kind. In her view, many human rights violations cases remain unresolved to date.

“And we want guarantees from the state for human rights defenders to no longer be criminalised for being able to speak freely and advocate for the rights of civil society,” she concluded.

The solidarity action also included various symbolic activities. Protesters carried posters and flowers intended to be distributed to the public and participants.

Additionally, they held an open forum where anyone could share poetry, speeches or messages of solidarity for the victim.