Head of Government Communications Demands Strong Action on Acid Attack Against KontraS Activist
Indonesia’s Head of Government Communications (Bakom) Angga Raka Prabowo has responded to the acid attack against Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), on Thursday night (12 March).
Angga Raka stated that acts of violence cannot be justified in a rule-of-law state and must be prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws.
“The government expresses deep concern over the incident that befell Andrie Yunus. We strongly condemn all acts of violence against anyone,” said Angga in an official statement on Saturday (14 March).
The government hopes the victim will receive optimal medical care and recover from the impact of the incident. Angga Raka stressed that every citizen has the right to express opinions peacefully in democratic life, and differences in perspective must not be answered with violence.
The government also emphasised the importance of thoroughly investigating the incident. Law enforcement officials are expected to investigate the case professionally, transparently and comprehensively to provide legal certainty and a sense of justice for the victim.
“Every act of violence must be handled strictly in accordance with applicable law. The government hopes the law enforcement process will proceed well so that the perpetrators can be held accountable,” said Angga.
Previously, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra stressed that attacks on human rights activists represent a blow to democratic practice in Indonesia.
Yusril stated that activists working on human rights issues are actually working for the broader public interest and upholding constitutional mandates.
“The acid attack on Andrie Yunus from KontraS is an attack on democracy itself. Human rights activists work for the interests of the people and the interests of the state, because the enforcement of human rights and democracy is a constitutional mandate,” said Yusril in a written statement on Friday (13 March).
“Attacking democracy and human rights activists, even if one disagrees with them, remains unjustifiable. In democracy, everyone should adhere to the principle of respecting differences and diversity because everyone acts for the common good, not for personal interest,” Yusril added.
Andrie Yunus became a victim of an acid attack in the Central Jakarta area on Thursday night (12 March).
KontraS Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya said the incident occurred after Andrie Yunus attended a podcast event titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia” at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation Institute (YLBHI) office at approximately 23:00 WIB.