MP proposes President form TGPF to investigate acid attack on Andrie Yunus

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Benny K Harman, a member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has proposed that President Prabowo Subianto form a Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) to investigate the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus, who serves as the Deputy Coordinator of KontraS.

According to him, the crime is not an ordinary criminal offence, as the President himself has described it as an act of terrorism. He assessed that it has the potential to create fear among civil society members who hold differing views from those in power.

“It would not be wrong if we support and propose to Mr President that he forms a joint fact-finding team outside of the legal aspects mentioned. Of course, the police institutions will continue their work,” said Benny at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He stated that the Joint Fact-Finding Team should involve relevant institutions and important figures.

He also suspected that there is a force or group attempting to delegitimise President Prabowo by carrying out the terrorist act. Through this terrorist act, he suspected the perpetrators aimed to build a negative image of the President.

“Therefore, what has been stated by Mr President, in my opinion, must be followed up seriously by the police institutions,” he said.

According to him, the case represents a test for President Prabowo Subianto to ensure no other forces attempt to obstruct the thorough revelation of the case.

For that reason, he also asked the police to continue investigating the case to build strong legitimacy for the government of President Prabowo Subianto. He emphasised that it is not true that the state is the actor behind the acid attack on Andrie Yunus.

“Unless Mr President does not speak, I would be speculating otherwise. But President Prabowo has stated this clearly and firmly,” he said.