LBH Ansor urges police to arrest perpetrators of acid attack on Andrie Yunus

Jakarta – The Legal Aid Institute (LBH) of Nahdlatul Ulama’s Central Leadership (GP Ansor) has demanded that police conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and swiftly arrest those responsible for the acid attack against Andrie Yunus.

Dendy Zuhairil Finsa, Head of LBH Central Leadership GP Ansor, stated that the violent assault on the activist and deputy coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) constitutes a violation of law that undermines public confidence in justice and security. Police, he said, must fully uncover those behind the case and prosecute the perpetrators in accordance with applicable law.

“Indonesia is a nation governed by law, therefore every act or violent conduct that violates the law must be resolved through the established legal mechanism regardless of who perpetrates it,” said Dendy in Jakarta on Monday.

He explained that the right to security is mandated by the 1945 Constitution as stated in Article 28 G paragraph (1), which guarantees protection of oneself, family, honour, dignity and property, as well as the right to security and protection from threats and fear.

Additionally, under Law No. 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights, Article 29 paragraph (1) also emphasises provisions protecting individuals, families and honour, he noted.

In line with these constitutional and statutory directives, he called on all segments of society to collectively monitor the legal process of this incident until justice is achieved for the victim.

“And also to ensure that the perpetrators receive appropriate legal sanctions,” he added.

Yunus is recognised as a critical and courageous figure in championing public interests and voicing injustices in the country, Finsa said.

Previously, KontraS deputy coordinator Andrie Yunus was attacked by unknown assailants who poured acid on him, causing injuries to his hands and feet as well as affecting his vision.

The incident occurred shortly after Andrie completed a podcast recording at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI), which discussed topics of militarism and the constitutional review of the Armed Forces Law.

According to initial information gathered, the victim was riding a motorcycle on Jalan Salemba I, Jakarta, on Thursday evening (12 March) around 23.37 Western Indonesian Time when the attack occurred.