Government to Cover Medical Costs for Activist Andrie Yunus Following Acid Attack
Jakarta — The Health Ministry Spokesperson Widyawati announced that the government will cover the medical treatment costs for human rights activist Andrie Yunus of Kontras, who was attacked with acid.
Andrie is currently receiving treatment at the National General Hospital Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM) in Jakarta following the acid attack. “Yes, he is being treated at RSCM, and we will cover the costs,” Widyawati told Kompas.com on Tuesday (17 March 2026). “The process is proceeding according to proper procedure,” she added.
RSCM’s Manager of Legal Affairs and Public Relations, Yoga Nara, stated that Andrie suffered chemical trauma to his right eye with severe third-degree acute phase injuries. “This condition has caused a sharp decline in vision and damage to the corneal surface,” Yoga said in a press statement confirmed by Kompas.com on Tuesday (17 March 2026).
To address the condition, Andrie Yunus underwent treatment to remove damaged tissue from his right eye and received an amniotic membrane transplant to protect the eye surface and support the healing process.
The attack occurred shortly after Andrie completed recording a podcast at the offices of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation Institute with the theme “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”. The recording session concluded around 11:00 PM.
Following the incident, Andrie was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment. Examinations revealed he suffered chemical burns covering approximately 24 per cent of his body.
“Based on information we have gathered, we assess that this acid attack represents an attempt to silence critical voices in society, particularly human rights defenders,” a statement said.
Most recently, President Prabowo Subianto reportedly issued a direct order to National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to thoroughly investigate the case. The President requested that the matter be handled professionally, transparently, and with scientific crime investigation methods at the forefront.