Legislator Demands Full Investigation of Andrie Yunus Acid Attack, Urges Police to Identify Masterminds

Jakarta — A member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the National Democrat Faction, Lola Nelria Oktavia, has demanded that the acid attack case against Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), be investigated thoroughly until authorities identify those behind the attack.

She emphasised that the investigation must not stop at the perpetrators on the ground. “Law enforcement authorities, particularly the police, must investigate this case swiftly, transparently, and comprehensively. They must not only focus on the perpetrators on the ground, but also trace the possibility of other parties who ordered or were behind the action,” Lola told Kompas.com on Monday (16 March 2025).

Lola also requested that the investigation be conducted professionally and accountably so that the public obtains clarity on the case. She assessed that cases of violence like this must not be allowed, as they would create fear among human rights defenders and civil society. Therefore, she strongly condemned the acid attack.

“I strongly condemn the acid attack against Andrie Yunus, a KontraS activist. This incident is very serious because it is not merely an ordinary act of violence, but also potentially a form of intimidation against civil society activism which has consistently exercised oversight functions against the state,” she stated.

Furthermore, Lola emphasised that Commission III of the House of Representatives will monitor the progress of handling this case. The Commission also urged law enforcement authorities to ensure justice for the victim and send a firm message that violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic state.

Previously reported, Andrie Yunus was attacked by an unknown assailant last Thursday. The Coordinator of KontraS’s Working Body, Dimas Bagus Arya, stated that the incident occurred while Andrie was finishing recording a podcast on military themes at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) in Menteng, Central Jakarta. The podcast recorded was titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”.

Jane Rosalina, Head of the Impunity Division at KontraS, revealed that Andrie is currently being treated in the high care unit (HCU) of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Senen, Central Jakarta. She added that so far the RSCM medical team has successfully provided initial treatment for the inflammatory reaction on Andrie’s body caused by the acid attack, particularly on the eyes and skin.