National Human Rights Commission Explores Judicial Options in Acid Attack Case Against KontraS Activist

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) is intensively exploring judicial options regarding the acid attack case that befell KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. To date, the institution is still assessing whether this case will be brought to civilian or military courts.

Coordinator of the Human Rights Enforcement Subcommission and Komnas HAM Mediation Commissioner, Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi, emphasised that his side has not yet determined which judicial forum is most appropriate to handle the matter.

“Regarding which court is better to handle it, of course Komnas HAM cannot yet draw a conclusion. We are still in the stage of gathering statements from many parties,” Pramono said in Jakarta on Thursday (26/3).

Gathering Cross-Sectoral Statements

Pramono explained that the investigation is being conducted by compiling information from various parties. This step aims to ensure that the construction of the acid attack incident can be compiled completely and objectively.

So far, Komnas HAM has continued intensive communication with civil society organisations and relevant state institutions. “We continue to communicate with friends from KontraS, friends from legal representatives, with friends from LPSK (Witness and Victim Protection Agency), we are intensive,” he added.

Previously, Komnas HAM had summoned KontraS representatives to trace the initial chronology of the incident, including emergency handling of the victim post-incident.

“We have met with friends from KontraS, even before Eid we had met with them. We dug into information related to the chronology of when Brother AY first came to the boarding house, for example, then how the process of Brother AY being taken from the boarding house to the hospital,” Pramono explained.

Determining Indications of Human Rights Violations

In the coming days, Komnas HAM plans to summon several other relevant parties to complete the required data. Pramono stressed that the entire series of fact-gathering will serve as the main basis for Komnas HAM before determining an official stance.

“The conclusion on whether this is proven to be a human rights violation or not will be decided after we complete the process of gathering statements, information, and data from various parties,” he asserted.

Komnas HAM is committed to ensuring the legal process runs transparently to avoid controversy in society, while prioritising principles of justice and full protection of the victim’s rights.