Komnas HAM emphasises the term 'strong acid chemical substance' in the pouring case

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has emphasised the use of the medical term “burns due to being doused with strong acid chemicals” in the case of the pouring incident against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, to correct public understanding that has commonly used the term “air keras.”

Komnas HAM Monitoring and Investigation Commissioner Saurlin P Siagian stated that the term was obtained from statements by the medical team at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) following direct in-depth investigation.

“First, burns due to being doused with strong acid chemicals. So this might be the term we can officially use together for the public,” he said in Jakarta on Thursday.

He assessed that the use of medically based terminology is important to ensure accuracy in understanding the nature of the injuries, while also serving as a basis for appropriate legal and medical handling processes.

After clarifying the terminology aspect, Komnas HAM also highlighted the victim’s recovery process, which requires a long time due to the complexity of the burns experienced.

“Surgeries are still ongoing and will continue for the next six months to two years for recovery from 20 percent burns,” said Saurlin.

Komnas HAM also confirmed that the funding for the victim’s treatment is supported by the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), which is an important part in ensuring the continuity of care.

“Then we received confirmation that the funding, alhamdulillah, is covered by LPSK,” said Saurlin.

Coordinator of the Komnas HAM Subcommission on Human Rights Enforcement Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi added that they have gathered direct statements from specialist doctors and hospital management regarding the handling of the victim.

“We had the opportunity to speak with the specialist doctors handling it and also the RSCM management,” he said.

He assessed that the medical steps taken so far have been intensive to keep the victim’s condition stable during the recovery period.

According to Komnas HAM, such support is crucial given that the victim’s recovery process requires long-term and multidisciplinary handling, while also being part of efforts to fulfil the victim’s rights in cases of chemical-based violence.