KontraS Activist Attacked with Acid While Riding Motorcycle; Police Hunt Perpetrator

Jakarta — Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Andrie Yunus, fell victim to an alleged acid attack by an unknown assailant in the Salemba area of Central Jakarta on Thursday evening, 12 March 2026.

The incident is now under investigation by Central Jakarta Metro Police. The police have confirmed that the victim received medical treatment following the attack.

Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations at Metro Jaya Police, confirmed the occurrence of the caustic liquid attack against the activist.

“We can confirm an incident of alleged caustic liquid attack against a victim in the Salemba area, Central Jakarta. The victim has since received medical treatment at RSCM,” said Budi in his statement on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Based on preliminary investigation findings, the incident occurred while the victim was riding a motorcycle at the location. Suddenly, the victim was allegedly sprayed with liquid by an unknown person from the front, causing him to fall.

After the attack, the victim requested assistance from his colleague with initials RFA (30) to be transported to hospital. The victim was then taken to the emergency department of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) for medical treatment.

As a result of the attack, the victim suffered wounds to both hands, face, chest, and right eye. The victim continues to receive medical care.

Furthermore, Budi emphasised that police will handle this case seriously in order to identify the perpetrator and the motive behind the attack.

“We prioritise the victim’s safety and will follow up on every piece of information and evidence available. We also appeal to members of the public who witnessed this incident or possess related information to report immediately to the nearest police station,” he said.

Meanwhile, KontraS Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya stated that the incident occurred after Andrie Yunus finished conducting a podcast at the offices of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) in Central Jakarta.

According to him, the attack took place around 11:00 p.m. local time after Andrie completed recording a podcast episode titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”.

“Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, Andrie Yunus, was attacked with caustic soda by an unknown person which resulted in serious injuries across his body, particularly to both hands, face, chest, and eye area,” said Dimas.