Metro Police Chief Guarantees Transparent Investigation into Acid Attack on KontraS Activist Following Presidential Order
Metro Jaya Police Chief Irjen Asep Edi Suheri has stated that his force will conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS. Asep said the case will be handled transparently and professionally in accordance with orders from President Prabowo Subianto.
“We affirm that Metro Jaya Police are committed to handling this matter professionally, transparently, and accountably. This action is being carried out in accordance with the President’s directive and the instruction from the National Police Chief to ensure all stages proceed professionally, transparently, and are processed to completion,” said Asep at a press conference at Metro Jaya Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, 16 March 2026.
He stated that the handling of this case prioritises caution. He noted that all information conveyed to the public should not generate misleading speculation.
“We prioritise the principle of caution so that all information conveyed to the public has been verified,” he said.
The alleged acid attack reportedly occurred on Thursday, 12 March 2026, at approximately 23:30 West Indonesia Time on Jalan Salemba in Senen, Central Jakarta. In CCTV footage circulating publicly, two men on a motorcycle are seen as suspected perpetrators passing through the location.
They appeared to turn their motorcycle around until they encountered the victim. The victim, who was riding a motorcycle at the time, was sprayed with the suspected caustic substance by the perpetrators.
The victim appeared to be in pain and dropped his motorcycle on the roadside. The victim also screamed hysterically whilst attempting to remove his clothing that had been exposed to the acid.
“Hot… hot… hot. Acid… acid. Oh God, help, acid… acid… acid,” the victim screamed, as seen in CCTV footage on Friday, 13 March.
The victim’s clothing appeared torn and his body was blistered from the acid spray. Residents then attended to the victim.
The victim is currently being treated at hospital. Police stated the victim sustained 24 per cent burn injuries.
National Police Chief Jenderal Sigit emphasised that the Indonesian National Police will conduct a thorough investigation into the case. He also mentioned that Prabowo had issued a direct order to investigate the matter thoroughly.
“Regarding developments in the attack on the activist, I have received a direct order from the President to conduct a thorough investigation professionally and transparently,” Jenderal Sigit told reporters after inspecting the exodus of homebound travellers at Gubeng Main Station in Surabaya, East Java, on Sunday, 15 March.