KontraS urges full probe into acid attack on activist
Jane Rosalina, KontraS head of impunity monitoring, said the attack targeted not only an individual but also the psychological well-being of civil society at large.
“This can be seen as part of a systematic effort to silence those who expose facts, challenge impunity, criticize power, and fight for justice,” Jane said at a Jakarta press conference on Wednesday.
She said perpetrators may have believed that attacking Andrie with acid would force KontraS to retreat.
However, Jane stressed the attack had instead strengthened resistance among activists.
“The injuries and trauma suffered by our colleague are fully visible to the public, while those responsible remain out of sight,” she said.
Jane urged all parties to monitor the case to ensure a comprehensive investigation, saying it should not be treated as an ordinary crime.
She said the attack could be framed as a human rights violation reflecting organized and systematic wrongdoing.
Such acts, she added, create terror, intimidation, and fear among critical members of society.
Jane called for transparent, impartial, and fair handling of the case to ensure accountability.
She urged law enforcement to swiftly arrest and prosecute both field perpetrators and alleged masterminds.
She also called for a joint fact-finding team involving civil society to conduct a thorough investigation.
The demand aligns with calls from a United Nations Special Rapporteur urging authorities to carry out a full probe.
Requests have also come from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to ensure accountability, she said.
Jane said Indonesia, currently leading the United Nations Human Rights Council, must resolve the case credibly.
She said there was no justification for failing to fully investigate the attack.
Earlier, Jakarta police said investigations suggest more than four perpetrators may be involved, based on testimony from 15 witnesses.
Separately, the Indonesian military police said four suspects were members of the Strategic Intelligence Agency, naming them as Captain NDP, First Lieutenant SL, First Lieutenant BHW, and Sergeant ES.
Lawmakers from Commission I of parliament called for a transparent investigation to speed up resolution, ensure justice for the victim, and maintain public trust in law enforcement.
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Translator: Agatha OV, Rahmad Nasution