KontraS: Andrie Yunus at Risk of Permanent Blindness Due to Acid Attack Terror

Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, Andrie Yunus, is at risk of permanent disability or blindness due to injuries from an acid attack carried out by personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) on 12 March.

This was stated by KontraS Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya during an audience meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday (31/3).

According to Dimas, the latest health update on Andrie shows acid seepage in the eye area that was delayed in identification by the medical team at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), where Andrie is being treated. The most severe impact of this condition could leave Andrie permanently unable to see.

“The eye area has acid seepage that was delayed in identification by the RSCM medical team yesterday. The effect could be, in the worst case, permanent disability; he cannot see properly,” Dimas said during the meeting.

Dimas therefore views the acid attack on Andrie as an attempt at murder. He believes the case should be charged under Article 459 of the Criminal Code as premeditated murder.

Because, according to Dimas, based on CCTV footage, the acid attack was directed straight at the face as a vital area. The worst outcome from the attack could result in death.

“What is the impact? The worst impact is death if it enters the respiratory tract. Or the minimal impact is permanent disability,” Dimas said.

The TNI has secured four of its members suspected of carrying out the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, namely NDP (Captain), SL and BHW (First Lieutenants), and ES (Sergeant).

All four serve in the Detachment Headquarters of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (Denma BAIS) TNI, originating from the Navy and Air Force.

Recently, the Head of the TNI Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), Lieutenant General Yudi Abrimantyo, has officially resigned from his position. TNI Information Centre Head Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah stated that the handover process took place on Wednesday (25/3).