Legal Aid Foundation Urges Police to Swiftly Arrest Perpetrators of Violence Against Andrie Yunus
The Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) Ansor has condemned the violent incident involving Andrie Yunus, who was attacked with corrosive liquid by unidentified assailants whilst returning home after participating in a podcast discussion on “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia” at the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) office.
Andrie Yunus is a prominent activist with the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), known for his critical stance and courageous advocacy for public interest and justice in Indonesia.
The violent attack constitutes a breach of law that undermines public confidence in justice and security. All forms of violence and intimidation against citizens represent serious violations of fundamental rights.
“Indonesia is a nation governed by law, therefore every act of violence that violates the law must be resolved through applicable legal mechanisms regardless of the perpetrator’s identity,” stated H. Dendy Zuhairil Finsa, Chairman of the LBH Central Leadership of Ansor GP, in a written statement released on Monday, 16 March.
In response, LBH Ansor has urged law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and professional investigation into the incident. The police must immediately apprehend the perpetrators and fully expose those who orchestrated the attack. Furthermore, law enforcement must prosecute those responsible in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
The right to safety and security is enshrined in the Indonesian Constitution (UUD 1945), specifically in Article 28G paragraph (1), which guarantees protection of self, family, honour, dignity, and property, as well as the right to safety and protection from threats and fear.
Law Number 39 of 1999 on Human Rights further reinforces protections in Article 29 paragraph (1) concerning safeguarding personal, family, and honour. Therefore, in accordance with constitutional and statutory obligations, all segments of society must collectively oversee the legal process to ensure justice for the victim and appropriate sanctions against the perpetrators.
The attack on the Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence, Andrie Yunus, has drawn strong condemnation from multiple quarters. The Chairman of DPR Commission III, Habiburokhman, has condemned the acid attack on the KontraS activist. The Ministry of Human Rights has requested the police accelerate investigations. The Garuda Astacita Nusantara Organisation has strongly denounced the attack that occurred on Thursday, 12 March, in the Salemba area of central Jakarta, which is suspected to have been meticulously planned.
President Prabowo Subianto has issued a direct order to the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attack on the KontraS activist.