Human Rights Minister on Andrie Yunus Case: The Law is Proceeding, Do Not Doubt Us
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that the legal process in the case of the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus is currently underway. Pigai urged the public not to doubt the government’s commitment.
He made this statement during a working meeting with Commission XIII of the DPR at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (7/4/2026). Pigai said that from the outset, the government has shown a firm stance in responding to the Andrie Yunus case.
“This is the first time in the history of the Republic of Indonesia that a case involving an activist has received direct attention from the Republic of Indonesia government. The Human Rights Minister, the DPR, parties, even the ruling parties in power. The President himself has conveyed the same thing,” said Pigai.
Nevertheless, Pigai emphasised that the government cannot direct the ongoing legal process. He stressed the importance of upholding the principle of separation of powers.
“That is why what is needed is—we do not like to use the term like this—the legal process is ongoing. The government cannot direct the legal process in any direction. Because we know about trias politica: judiciary, executive, legislature,” he stated.
“We cannot be led to determine the punishment of someone in the context of the court, because a true state must not intervene in the judicial process,” he added.
He noted that the legal process is currently proceeding, including through the military court mechanism. Pigai also reminded the public not to judge the case through mass pressure or media.
“According to the rules, the legal process is ongoing in the military court and is proceeding. As the minister, I also ask that if you want trial by the mob and trial by the press, that is not good. A legal process due to public pressure and press pressure is sometimes not good,” he said.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that public scrutiny is also important to ensure the legal process runs professionally. Pigai urged the public not to doubt the government’s commitment to upholding justice.
“Do not doubt the Ministry of Human Rights, the government, regarding injustice faced by anyone in the Republic of Indonesia. Whether you are a ruling party or opposition, it does not matter to us. To us, it is anyone who is an Indonesian citizen,” he stated.
Pigai said the government will remain committed to the principle of protecting all citizens. He emphasised that the government will not consider political backgrounds.
“It must protect the entire nation, advance the nation’s life, and prosper the people, educate the nation’s life. That is our foundation that we hold. We hold that to protect the entire homeland,” he concluded.
“Therefore, do not doubt us today. Prabowo loves the throne for the people and wealth for the people,” he added.
As is known, Andrie Yunus became a victim of an acid attack on Thursday night (12/3). Puspom TNI then arrested four individuals suspected of carrying out the acid attack on Andrie Yunus. All four are known to be members of Denma Bais TNI from the Navy (AL) and Air Force (AU) branches.
“We convey that these four suspected perpetrators are all members of Denma Bais TNI, not from any unit, but from Denma Bais TNI,” said TNI Danpuspom Major General TNI Yusri Nuryanto during a press conference at TNI Headquarters, Jakarta, on Wednesday (18/3).