KontraS Activist Allegedly Attacked with Acid in Central Jakarta; Police Investigating
The Vice Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Andrie Yunus, was allegedly attacked with acid by an unknown assailant in the Salemba area of Central Jakarta. Police authorities are investigating the incident.
The Head of Public Relations for the Jakarta Metro Police, Brigadier General Budi Hermanto, stated that police are currently conducting further investigation into the matter. The incident occurred on Thursday night, 12 March 2026.
“We can confirm the alleged incident involving the dousing of a corrosive substance against a victim in the Salemba area, Central Jakarta,” said Brigadier General Budi Hermanto in his statement on Friday, 13 March.
Budi Hermanto stated that the victim received medical treatment at the Central National General Hospital (RSCM) after sustaining injuries to several parts of his body.
“The victim is currently receiving medical treatment at the RSCM, and police are conducting a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrator and determine the motive behind this incident,” he added.
Brigadier General Budi emphasised that the Jakarta Metro Police would handle this case seriously and professionally. Police also urged the public who have information related to the incident to report it immediately.
“We prioritise the victim’s safety and will follow up on any information and evidence available. We also urge members of the public who witnessed this incident or have information related to it to report immediately to the nearest police station,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of KontraS’s Working Body, Dimas Bagus Arya, explained that the attack on Andrie Yunus occurred at 23:00 Western Indonesian Time on Thursday, 12 March, after the victim had conducted a podcast at the Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) office titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”.
Following the incident, Andrie Yunus was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment. From the examination results, Andrie sustained burns covering 24 percent of his body.
“Based on information we have gathered, we believe that this acid attack constitutes an attempt to silence critical voices in society, particularly human rights defenders, which is contrary to Law Number 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, Article 66 of Law Number 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, and the Regulation of Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights Number 5 of 2015 on Procedures for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders,” explained Dimas.
Dimas called on law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. His organisation hopes police can identify the perpetrator and determine the motive behind the acid attack.
“This incident must receive broad attention from various quarters, including law enforcement agencies and civil society. Police should immediately conduct an investigation to identify the perpetrator and the motive behind this attack. Considering that an acid attack on a victim can result in serious and potentially fatal injuries,” said Dimas.