Human Rights Minister Pigai Condemns Acid Attack on Activist

Jakarta — Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has condemned alleged violence against Andrie Yunus, an activist from the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS). Speaking at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Friday, Pigai stressed that the state must not tolerate vigilantism against anyone, including activists and civil society groups.

“I have condemned this and we must not allow vigilantism to exist in this country,” he stated.

Pigai emphasised that Indonesia is a nation that upholds peace and security, and therefore all forms of violence cannot be justified.

According to him, differences of opinion should be resolved through proper and democratic means, not through violent actions.

“This is a peaceful and secure nation and we must not resort to violence, let alone attack citizens with corrosive liquid,” he said.

He also noted that democracy in Indonesia continues to develop positively, even experiencing what he described as a “surplus of democracy.”

However, Pigai cautioned that this development must not be accompanied by violence against the public, including activists and civil society groups.

According to Pigai, civil society communities play an important role in national life as part of the system of checks and balances.

Therefore, he expressed concern over the incident involving the activist and stressed that such events must not be repeated.

“On behalf of the government, I am distressed by this incident and it must not happen again,” he said.

On behalf of the government, Pigai also called on police to investigate the case thoroughly so that the perpetrators can be prosecuted and the victim and their family receive justice.

Additionally, the Human Rights Ministry stated it is prepared to monitor and provide support to the victim.

Pigai also raised the possibility of visiting the victim if they remain under medical care, after first confirming the location and condition of the victim.

Previously, Andrie Yunus was attacked with corrosive liquid following his participation in a podcast recording session at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office.

According to circulating reports, the victim sustained burn injuries on several parts of his body from the attack and is currently undergoing medical treatment.