Latest on Andrie Yunus: Bottle Evidence, Allegations of Trained Perpetrator
The investigation into the acid attack against human rights activist Andrie Yunus continues to develop. His legal team and various parties are presenting findings, allegations, and new demands to law enforcement regarding the attack on the Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS).
Legal Team Requests Police Investigate Bottle and Helmet
Members of the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD), including Airlangga Julio, suspect that the perpetrator of the attack on Andrie may have sustained injuries from the acid they sprayed. This suspicion emerged after the perpetrator discarded a purple bottle and removed their helmet following the attack on Jalan Salemba I–Talang in Central Jakarta on Thursday evening, 12 March 2026.
“We suspect the perpetrator may have been injured by the acid they themselves sprayed,” said Airlangga at the YLBHI office in Jakarta on Monday, 16 March 2026.
Airlangga stated that a witness discovered a purple bottle believed to contain the corrosive liquid, which has been handed over to Metro Jaya Police but has not been presented by police as physical evidence during a press conference. He also found it unusual that the perpetrator discarded the bottle and removed the helmet, actions that risked being captured on CCTV. “So we suspect the perpetrator may also have been injured by the acid they themselves sprayed,” he said.
Attack Suspected to Be Systematic, Perpetrator Deemed Trained
Andrie Yunus’ lawyer from TAUD suspects the attack on his client was carried out premeditated. TAUD representative Alghiffari Aqsa believes the perpetrator is likely a trained individual.
“It is extremely difficult to imagine that such an organised attack was carried out by a civilian,” said Alghiffari on Monday, 16 March 2026.
According to Alghiffari, the acid attack against the Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) is suspected to have involved multiple individuals and was executed systematically. He believes the individual who sprayed the acid merely played the role of field executor. “There is an intellectual actor and also someone who financed it,” said Alghiffari during a press conference.
Prabowo Requested to Form Independent Investigation Team
Andrie’s legal representatives from TAUD have requested President Prabowo Subianto establish an independent investigation team to probe the acid attack on Andrie. TAUD representative Afif Abdul Qodir stated that the formation of such a team should be consulted with the victim’s legal advisors and family.
He stated that such consultation is important to ensure all perpetrators are held accountable without being hindered by conflicts of interest. “The objective is to guarantee the disclosure of objective and comprehensive facts,” said Afif at the YLBHI office on Monday, 16 March 2026.
Fabricated Photo of Perpetrator Requested to Be Traced
TAUD member Airlangga Julio has requested police trace the individual who fabricated the photograph of the acid attack perpetrator. He believes the image created using artificial intelligence or AI technology could serve as additional evidence to identify the perpetrator.
“Trace it to whoever was the first to fabricate the photograph and have it used as additional evidence to find the perpetrator,” said Airlangga at the YLBHI office in Jakarta on Monday, 16 March 2026.
The lawyer from AMAR Law Firm & Public Interest Law Office stated that Metro Jaya Police investigators suspect the AI photograph was deliberately created to obscure the perpetrator’s identity. For this reason, he requested the police trace the individual who first disseminated the image.
Andrie Remains Under Intensive Care
Member of the National Commission on Human Rights Amiruddin Al Rahab stated that Andrie’s condition has begun improving after treatment at the Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital in Jakarta. Burns from the acid have reportedly been managed.
Amiruddin said he was unable to visit Andrie directly because the victim remains isolated to prevent infection. “His eyes are also slightly better than yesterday,” said Amiruddin when contacted on Monday, 16 March 2026.
Head of the Impunity Monitoring Division of KontraS Jane Rosalina stated that doctors have addressed the inflammatory reaction in Andrie’s eyes caused by the acidic liquid. “It has been anticipated and addressed by the hospital,” said Jane at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation office in Jakarta.