National Police Analyse CCTV and Interview Witnesses in Caustic Attack on KontraS Activist
The National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri) stated that investigators have begun analysing surveillance camera (CCTV) footage from areas surrounding the crime scene of the caustic acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS.
Head of Police Public Relations, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, said officers have conducted scene investigations, interviewed witnesses, and gathered digital evidence including CCTV recordings.
“The collection of various digital evidence, including CCTV, is currently undergoing further analysis. We hope to identify the perpetrators soon,” he said during a press conference in Jakarta on Friday (13 March).
He stated that at least two witnesses who were present at the incident location have provided initial statements. Isir said the number of interviewed witnesses would increase as the investigation progressed.
“The witnesses interviewed were those who were with the victim and those who assisted the victim,” he explained.
Additionally, investigators have requested preliminary autopsy results (visum et repertum) to determine the victim’s injury status. Initial examinations revealed burns on multiple body parts.
“Several body parts were affected, namely the chest, face, and hands,” Isir continued.
He added that Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has given special attention to the case and ordered a thorough investigation.
“All investigative personnel will be serious and committed to bringing this matter to light and apprehending the perpetrators, whoever they may be,” he asserted.
Police also appealed to members of the public who have information about the incident to come forward. The police guaranteed protection for those providing information.
“Once again, we invite all members of society to pray for the victim, AY, who is currently receiving treatment at a hospital, for a speedy recovery and to reunite with family and resume normal activities,” he said.
Andrie Yunus was attacked with caustic acid in central Jakarta on Thursday evening. KontraS Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya said the incident occurred after Andrie Yunus attended a podcast event titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia” at the offices of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI), around 11 pm.
“He was attacked with caustic acid by an unknown person, resulting in serious injuries across his body, particularly on both hands, face, chest, and the eye area,” Dimas stated in a written statement on Friday (13 March).
Dimas said Andrie was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment. He reported that examinations showed Andrie had suffered burns covering 24 per cent of his body.
“According to the examination results, Andrie sustained burns covering 24 per cent of his body,” he said.
According to the timeline provided by Dimas, the incident began when Andrie was riding his motorcycle on Jalan Salemba I - Talang in central Jakarta. At that moment, two perpetrators approached from the opposite direction on Jalan Talang (Talang Bridge) riding a two-wheeled vehicle, believed to be a Honda Beat automatic motorcycle from 2016 to 2021.
“The perpetrators were two male individuals conducting their operation using a single motorcycle, each assuming the role of driver and passenger,” he explained.
He described the first suspect as wearing a white and blue combination t-shirt, dark trousers believed to be jeans, and a black helmet.
The second perpetrator, the passenger, wore a black face covering or mask resembling a ‘buff’ covering half the face, a dark blue t-shirt, and dark blue long trousers rolled up to appear shorter and believed to be jeans.
“One perpetrator then poured caustic acid towards the victim, hitting parts of his body. As a result of the attack, the victim immediately screamed in pain and dropped his motorcycle,” he explained.