Habiburokhman: As a Human Rights Defender, Andrie Yunus Deserves State Protection

JAKARTA — The Chair of Commission III of the People’s Consultative Assembly Habiburokhman stated that activist Andrie Yunus is entitled to receive state protection after becoming the victim of an acid attack by an unknown assailant.

According to Habiburokhman, this constituted one of the key conclusions from a special session held within Commission III to discuss the incident.

“Commission III of the People’s Consultative Assembly affirms that Andrie Yunus is entitled to his right to receive protection, both under Indonesian national law and international law that has been ratified by the Republic of Indonesia, as well as both as a citizen and as a human rights defender,” Habiburokhman said at the Parliament building on Monday (16 March 2026).

Commission III also requested that the police conduct a thorough investigation into the case quickly and professionally.

“Commission III of the People’s Consultative Assembly requests that the police investigate the acid attack on Andrie Yunus thoroughly, transparently and professionally and promptly uncover and apprehend the perpetrators, whether those who planned, ordered, executed or assisted in accordance with the provisions of the law,” Habiburokhman stated.

Habiburokhman emphasised that Commission III condemned and strongly denounced the terrorist act.

“We are troubled and strongly condemn the acid attack because it is not merely ordinary crime but an assault on democracy,” he concluded.

Previously reported, Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid by an unknown person on Thursday evening (12 March 2026).

Dimas Bagus Arya, Coordinator of the Working Body of KontraS, stated that the attack resulted in Andrie sustaining serious injuries to several parts of his body.

“Particularly on the areas of both hands, face, chest, and eyes,” Dimas said in an official statement confirmed by Kompas.com on Friday (13 March 2026).

Following the incident, Andrie was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment.

From examination results, he sustained burns covering approximately 24 per cent of his body.

Dimas believed the attack represented an attempt to silence critical voices in society, particularly human rights defenders.