National Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Meets Parents of Assaulted KontraS Activist
National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) Commissioner Amiruddin al-Rahab met with the parents of Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of KontraS, a human rights advocacy organisation. Amiruddin offered prayers for Andrie’s recovery.
“I hope Andrie recovers quickly and can return to public communication,” Amiruddin told journalists on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
During the meeting, information was shared that the medical treatment of Andrie’s burns was progressing well. Amiruddin stated that the acid attack case should be handled by the National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri).
“The investigation into what happened to Andrie should be handled by Bareskrim at Police Headquarters, so that it can be more rigorous and conducted with more investigative personnel. Additionally, this would enable faster progress and accelerate the securing of evidence,” he said.
Furthermore, Komnas HAM will also request that the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) expedite the protection process for key witnesses, to shield them from pressure from any quarter. He expressed hope that the police would thoroughly investigate the case.
“What happened to Andrie is an opportunity for the National Police to demonstrate its professionalism. Several similar terrorist incidents and attacks against human rights activists have remained largely unresolved,” Amiruddin said.
The Metro Jaya Police Chief, Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri, stated that his force continues to investigate the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of KontraS. He said the case will be investigated using scientifically verifiable methods.
“Since the information was received initially, the Metro Jaya Regional Police and National Police Headquarters have taken police action steps, using scientific crime investigation,” said Inspector General Asep on Monday, 16 March.
He explained that scientific investigation involves checking the victim’s condition and statement, gathering witness accounts, processing the crime scene, preparing a forensic examination report, and collecting other evidence.
The acid attack case is being investigated by a joint team from the Central Jakarta Metropolitan Police Criminal Investigation Unit and the General Detective Division (Ditreskrimum) of the Metro Jaya Regional Police. Asep stated that the case would be handled professionally, transparently, and with accountability.
“These steps are carried out in accordance with the President’s directives and the National Police Chief’s instructions so that all stages proceed professionally, transparently, and are investigated to completion,” he said.
Andrie Yunus suffered burn injuries to several parts of his body after allegedly being sprayed with acid by an unknown assailant. Andrie sustained injuries to his chest, arms, and face as a result of the incident.
“The Central Jakarta Metropolitan Police requested an initial forensic examination regarding the condition of the burns of the victim, AY. Several body parts were affected: the chest, face, and hands,” said the National Police Public Relations Division Chief, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, to journalists at National Police Headquarters in South Jakarta, Friday, 13 March.
The incident allegedly occurred on Thursday, 12 March at approximately 23:30 Western Indonesia Time on Salemba Street, Senen, Central Jakarta. Police are currently investigating allegations of aggravated assault.
“Regarding the alleged aggravated assault offence, as stipulated in Article 467 Paragraph 2 and/or Article 468 Paragraph 1 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code,” he continued.