KontraS Activist Allegedly Doused with Acid Following Podcast with YLBHI in Central Jakarta
Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), was allegedly doused with acid by an unknown assailant after conducting a podcast on “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia” in the Salemba area of Central Jakarta. The incident is now under police investigation.
Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations for the Jakarta Metro Police, stated that authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. The attack on Andrie occurred on the evening of Thursday, 12 March.
“We can confirm an incident involving an alleged dousing with hazardous liquid against a victim in the Salemba area of Central Jakarta,” said Budi Hermanto on Friday, 13 March 2026.
According to Budi, Andrie received medical treatment at RSCM hospital after sustaining injuries to several parts of his body.
“The victim has received medical treatment at RSCM, and police are conducting a comprehensive investigation to identify the perpetrator and motive behind the incident,” he said.
Budi firmly stated that the Jakarta Metro Police is committed to handling the case seriously and professionally. He also urged the public with information related to the incident to report it immediately.
“We prioritise the safety of the victim and will follow up on all information and evidence available. We urge members of the public who witnessed this incident or have relevant information to report it immediately to the nearest police station,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dimas Bagus Arya, Coordinator of KontraS’s Executive Board, stated that the assault on Andrie occurred at 23:00 on Thursday, 12 March. Prior to the incident, Andrie had just conducted a podcast at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”.
Following the incident, Andrie Yunus was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment. Medical examinations revealed that Andrie sustained 24 per cent burn injuries.
“Based on the information we have gathered, we assess that this acid attack represents an attempt to silence critical voices, particularly human rights defenders, which according to Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, Article 66 of Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, and the Regulation of the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Indonesia No. 5 of 2015 Concerning Procedures for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders,” Dimas explained.
Dimas called for law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. He expressed hope that police would identify the perpetrator and motive behind the acid attack.
“This incident requires immediate and extensive attention from various parties, including law enforcement agencies and civil society. Police must immediately investigate to uncover the perpetrator and motive behind the attack. Given that an acid attack on a victim can result in serious, potentially fatal injuries,” Dimas said.