Komnas HAM Recognises KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus as Human Rights Defender, Sends Letter to Metro Police
The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has officially recognised Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, as a Human Rights Defender following his victimisation in an acid attack.
The recognition was established under Komnas HAM Regulation Number 5 of 2015 concerning Procedures for Providing Protection to Human Rights Defenders, following the terror attack Andrie experienced.
“Based on our assessment, in accordance with Komnas HAM’s authority, we have issued a Human Rights Defender Certificate in the name of Andrie Yunus Number 001/PM.04/HRD/T.I.A/3/2026 dated 17 March 2026, which was presented to the victim through his legal representative,” said Saurlin P. Siagian, Commissioner for Monitoring & Investigation at Komnas HAM, on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
Komnas HAM assessed that the recognition was based on Andrie’s track record in human rights enforcement activities. This includes his educational background and his involvement in various advocacy efforts, including his most recent activity prior to the incident—a podcast recording on the theme of “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”.
Additionally, Komnas HAM highlighted the vulnerability that Andrie experienced due to his activism, including alleged criminalisation attempts previously reported to the Metro Jakarta Police.
On this basis, Komnas HAM has also sent a letter to the Metro Jakarta Police requesting that Andrie’s status as a Human Rights Defender be taken into consideration during the investigation of the acid attack case.
“We have also submitted a protection letter to the police so that the person in question receives the necessary protection on 17 March 2026,” he said.
Komnas HAM also urged police authorities to thoroughly investigate the case in a professional and transparent manner.
“On this occasion, Komnas HAM once again urges police authorities to conduct investigation and prosecution of this matter in an independent, swift, transparent, and accountable manner,” he stated.
According to Komnas HAM, resolving this case is important to prevent future violence against human rights defenders.
“If this case is not quickly resolved, then similar violent actions may continue to occur against human rights defenders because it appears that perpetrators of human rights violations receive impunity and remain untouched by the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prabianto Mukti Wibowo, Vice Chair of Internal Affairs & Commissioner for Complaints at Komnas HAM, believed that the Human Rights Defender status would strengthen Andrie’s position in legal proceedings.