KontraS Demands Police Investigation into Acid Attack on Andrie Yunus

The Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Dimas Bagus Arya, has demanded that police investigate those responsible for an acid attack on KontraS Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus.

The attack, perpetrated by unknown assailants, is considered a serious threat to human rights defenders in Indonesia.

Dimas explained that the incident occurred shortly after Andrie Yunus had finished recording a podcast at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI). The podcast addressed the theme “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia” and ended at approximately 23:00 WIB.

“KontraS Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid by unknown assailants, resulting in serious burns across his body,” Dimas stated.

As a result of the attack, Andrie sustained burns in several areas of his body, particularly on both hands, face, chest, and around the eyes. Following the incident, Andrie was immediately rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

“According to medical examination results, Andrie Yunus sustained burns covering approximately 24 per cent of his body,” he said.

KontraS views the acid attack as an attempt to silence critical voices in civil society, particularly human rights defenders.

“We believe this action is an attempt to silence the critical voices of civil society, particularly human rights defenders,” Dimas stated.

He added that protection for human rights defenders is guaranteed under various regulations, including Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, Article 66 of Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, and National Commission on Human Rights Regulation No. 5 of 2015 on Procedures for Protection of Human Rights Defenders.

KontraS has called on police to thoroughly investigate the case, including identifying the perpetrators and the motives behind the attack, which could threaten the victim’s life.

“This incident must receive immediate and widespread attention from various parties, including law enforcement and civil society, given that acid attacks can cause fatal injuries and potentially result in death,” Dimas said.