Komnas HAM delves into medical-psychological impact on activist victim of chemical splashing
The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) is delving into the medical and psychological impacts on the victim of a chemical splashing incident targeting KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, by compiling direct statements from the medical team at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) in Jakarta.
Coordinator of the Human Rights Enforcement Subcommission and Komnas HAM Mediation Commissioner Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi stated that the investigation aims to confirm the victim’s condition from initial hospital admission to future recovery plans.
“We obtained information regarding Brother AY’s condition from the start of hospitalisation to the final treatment,” he said in Jakarta on Thursday.
He explained that Komnas HAM is also exploring the effects of the chemical liquid on the victim, both short-term and long-term, encompassing physical and psychological conditions as material for comprehensive analysis.
Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah added that they received detailed explanations from the multidisciplinary medical team, including eye specialists and the burn treatment team.
“The information is very in-depth, in line with what Komnas HAM needs regarding medical impacts as well as psychological impacts,” Anis said.
This investigation is relevant to the victim’s latest medical condition. RSCM reported ischaemia or reduced blood flow in around 40 percent of the right eye’s sclera area, causing tissue thinning, as well as ongoing inflammation.
The medical team has performed integrated surgery involving eye and plastic surgery specialists, including intraocular tissue relocation, amniotic membrane placement, and burn treatment through debridement and skin grafting on several body parts.
Additionally, treatment is focused on maintaining the integrity of the right eyeball and controlling inflammation, with continuous close monitoring by the medical team.
Pramono assessed that the medical steps taken are proceeding intensively and measurably. “The medical actions so far we see as very good, very intensive,” he said.
Komnas HAM also noted that the victim’s recovery will require a long time, with follow-up surgeries and ongoing care, while the eye condition’s development is still under analysis and cannot yet be concluded.
According to him, all this data will serve as the basis for compiling Komnas HAM’s recommendations, while ensuring case handling is based on medical facts and comprehensive protection of the victim’s rights.