National Commission on Violence Against Women: Acid Attack on Human Rights Defender Is Serious Threat to All Human Rights Workers

Jakarta – The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has characterised the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), as a serious threat to all human rights workers in Indonesia.

Dahlia Madanih, Deputy Chairwoman of Komnas Perempuan, stated that her institution, as a national human rights body specifically addressing women’s rights, views any threat against human rights defenders as a threat to all human rights workers. “This threat also extends to Women Human Rights Defenders (PPHAM) who work in sectors and areas that frequently impact women,” she said in a statement on Saturday, 14 March 2026.

“Komnas Perempuan urges the police to take firm action in investigating the masterminds behind this incident, not just the perpetrator of the attack,” Dahlia stated firmly.

Sri Agustini, Commissioner of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), added that the state has an obligation to provide protection to victims and witnesses as regulated under Law No. 31 of 2014 on the Protection of Witnesses and Victims. “Internationally, Indonesia is also bound by the principles contained in the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders of 1998, which guarantees every person’s right to advocate for and protect human rights without threat and violence,” Sri said.

The acid attack occurred after Andrie completed recording a podcast at the offices of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) with the title “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”. The recording session concluded at approximately 23.00 local time.