National Police Chief Prioritises Investigation into Caustic Acid Attack on Human Rights Activist
Jakarta — The National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has given special attention to the investigation into a caustic acid attack against Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS).
“The National Police Chief, as head of the National Police, has given special attention to the handling and investigation of this case,” said the National Police Public Relations Division Chief, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, in Jakarta on Friday.
He stated that the National Police has taken various steps, particularly in handling the crime scene and conducting investigative procedures.
The investigation follows Police Report Model A Number 222/III/2026/Satreskrim/Restro Jakarta Pusat/Polda Metro Jaya, which documents aggravated assault under Articles 467(2) and/or 468(1) of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.
“As a follow-up to the National Police Chief’s attention and directives, the investigation being conducted by the Central Jakarta Police Criminal Investigation Unit is receiving support from both Metro Jaya Police and the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, particularly from National Police Headquarters,” he said.
He stated that investigators are currently conducting in-depth interviews with witnesses. The National Police assures that investigation and prosecution procedures, as part of the enforcement of law, will be conducted on a scientific basis.
Johnny also appealed to the public who have information about this incident to provide reports to the National Police.
“We assure that members of the public who provide information will be given protection,” he said.
“We invite all members of society to pray that this process can quickly reach a conclusion, revealing who the perpetrator is and leading to their arrest, along with clarifying the motive,” he added.
Previously, Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, was attacked by unknown individuals who poured caustic acid on him, resulting in injuries to his hands and feet as well as vision impairment.
The incident occurred shortly after Yunus had finished recording a podcast at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), discussing topics related to militarism and judicial review of the Armed Forces Law.
Based on initial information gathered, at approximately 23.37 local time, the victim was riding a motorcycle on Salemba I Road in Central Jakarta.
Two perpetrators on a motorcycle then approached the victim and poured caustic acid on him before fleeing the scene.
As a result of the attack, the victim sustained burns to approximately 24 per cent of his body and was immediately taken to hospital for emergency medical treatment, particularly for his eyes which were affected by the caustic liquid.