Latest Update on Andrie Yunus's Condition: Recovery to Take a Long Time
KontraS activist Andrie Yunus is still undergoing treatment in hospital after being doused with acid. It has been revealed that Andrie Yunus’s recovery will require a long time.
This was stated by the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) after receiving in-depth information regarding medical data from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) in Jakarta. Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah, along with other commissioners, visited Andrie Yunus at RSCM last Thursday.
“The information is very in-depth, in line with what Komnas HAM needs regarding medical impacts as well as psychological impacts,” said Anis, quoted by Antara on Thursday (26/3).
The data received is relevant to Andrie Yunus’s current condition. RSCM reported ischaemia or lack of blood flow in around 40 per cent of the area of the right eye’s sclera, causing tissue thinning, as well as ongoing inflammation.
The medical team has performed integrated surgery involving eye specialists and plastic surgeons, including intraocular tissue relocation, placement of an amnion membrane, and treatment of burns through debridement and skin grafting on several body parts. Additionally, the treatment is focused on maintaining the integrity of the right eyeball and controlling inflammation, with ongoing close monitoring by the medical team.
Komnas HAM also noted that the victim’s recovery requires a long time, with further surgeries and continuous care, while the development of the eye condition is still under analysis and cannot yet be concluded.
Komnas HAM Mediation Commissioner Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi said the in-depth investigation was conducted to ensure the victim’s condition from initial hospital admission to future recovery plans.
“We received information regarding Brother AY’s condition from initial hospital admission to the latest treatment,” said Pramono.
He explained that Komnas HAM also explored the impact of the chemical liquid on the victim, both short-term and long-term, covering physical and psychological conditions as material for comprehensive analysis. Pramono assessed that the medical steps taken have been intensive and measured.
“So far, the medical actions we see have been very good, very intensive,” he said.
Recovery Could Take Up to 2 Years
Komnas HAM Monitoring and Investigation Commissioner Saurlin P Siagian conveyed the results of the medical team’s in-depth findings. He indicated that Andrie Yunus’s wounds are categorised as burns due to strong acid chemicals.
“Surgery is still ongoing and will continue for six months to two years ahead for recovery,” said Saurlin, quoted by Antara on Friday (27/3/2026).
He explained that the first six months phase is a crucial period in determining the direction of Andrie Yunus’s recovery. Particularly to ensure the stability of the wound condition and the body’s response to further medical actions.
Term for Strong Acid Chemicals
Komnas HAM emphasised the use of the medical term “burns due to dousing with strong acid chemicals” in the pouring case against Andrie Yunus. This term is used to clarify public understanding, which has previously often used the term “acid water”.
“First, burns due to dousing with strong acid chemicals. So this might be the term that we can officially use together for the public,” said Saurlin.
According to him, the use of medically based terminology is important to ensure accuracy in understanding the nature of the wounds, as well as serving as a basis for appropriate legal and medical handling processes.
He said that for burns over 20 per cent, a long recovery process is required. Saurlin stated that recovery could take up to 2 years.
“Surgery is still ongoing and will continue for six months to two years ahead for recovery from 20 per cent burns,” said Saurlin.
Komnas HAM ensured that the funding for the victim’s treatment is supported by the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), which is an important part in guaranteeing the continuity of care.
“Then we received confirmation that the funding, alhamdulillah, is covered by LPSK,” said Saurlin.