KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus Attacked with Caustic Liquid; Komnas Perempuan Demands Swift and Transparent Investigation
A caustic liquid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), has drawn sharp condemnation from the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan).
Komnas Perempuan regards the assault on Andrie Yunus not merely as ordinary criminal activity, but as an act of terror and intimidation against civil society critical of state policy.
The caustic liquid attack on Andrie Yunus occurred on the evening of 12 March. The human rights activist, known for vocal advocacy on human rights issues, was attacked by an unknown assailant who sprayed suspected caustic liquid onto his body. The attack resulted in serious burn injuries. The liquid also poses potential risks to his vision and overall health.
The case has drawn wide attention from various human rights organisations and civil society groups in Indonesia.
Dahlia Madanih, Deputy Chairwoman of Komnas Perempuan, strongly condemned the attack on Andrie Yunus, characterising it as suppression of human rights defenders protected by the constitution.
“Komnas Perempuan strongly condemns this act of attack, which constitutes terror, intimidation, and silencing of civil society’s critical voice, guaranteed and protected by the constitution,” Dahlia stated.
She noted that threats against Andrie Yunus undermine the broader ecosystem of human rights advocacy in Indonesia, including work by women human rights defenders.
“Threats to human rights defenders constitute threats to all human rights workers, including women human rights defenders. Until the attack, Andrie Yunus consistently engaged in policy advocacy, including regarding Law No. 3 of 2025 on the Military, which also affects women’s lives,” she explained.
Rr Sri Agustini, Commissioner of Komnas Perempuan, emphasised that the attack on Andrie Yunus can be categorised as cruel treatment and severe assault intentionally causing physical suffering.
“Threats, terror, and attacks in any form against human rights activists and humanitarian workers constitute legal violations. Law enforcement must take decisive action by investigating the masterminds behind this incident and prosecuting the perpetrators in accordance with applicable law,” Sri stated.
She noted that the assault violated Article 28G paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution, which guarantees every person’s right to personal protection and security. The act also violates Article 66 of Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, which affirms that every person has the right to advocate for human rights without intimidation, threats, or violence.
Sri added that the state has an obligation to provide protection to victims and witnesses under Law No. 31 of 2014 on Witness and Victim Protection.
Internationally, Indonesia is bound by principles in the 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which guarantees every person’s right to advocate for and protect human rights without threats or violence.
Sondang Frishka, another Commissioner of Komnas Perempuan, stated that the attack on Andrie Yunus serves as a test of Indonesia’s commitment to protecting human rights defenders.
“Indonesia, elected President of the UN Human Rights Council for 2026, has an obligation to lead member states’ compliance with human rights principles. This commitment must be demonstrated by resolving human rights violations domestically, including the attack on Andrie Yunus,” she stated.
Komnas Perempuan urges the President to order law enforcement to conduct a thorough, swift, transparent, and accountable investigation into the attack on Andrie Yunus. The commission also calls on the Witness and Victim Protection Agency to provide immediate protection to Andrie Yunus, his family, and his legal team.
Komnas Perempuan further calls on relevant ministries and institutions to ensure comprehensive recovery for Andrie Yunus and his family, whilst urging civil society and media to continue monitoring the legal process whilst maintaining compassion for the victim.