National Police Commission Demands Thorough Investigation into Acid Attack on Human Rights Activist Andrie Yunus

Jakarta — A commissioner of the National Police Commission (Kompolnas), Choirul Anam, has called on law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the acid attack against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, describing the incident as a serious threat to democracy.

According to Anam, violence against human rights activists cannot be treated as ordinary crime, as it has implications for Indonesia’s democratic conditions.

“We urge the police to maximise efforts in uncovering this incident. We expect police investigations to be transparent and accountable,” Anam told Kompas.com on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Anam stated that violence against human rights activists should not be regarded as ordinary violence, as it impacts the state of democracy in Indonesia. He noted that Andrie’s activities constitute human rights advocacy work and civic participation guaranteed by the constitution.

“What Andrie does is human rights work, democratic work, and in the context of human rights, such work should be protected, especially as part of participation that in the Indonesian context is regulated and protected by the constitution,” he explained.

He believes that solving this case is important to demonstrate that the state is present in protecting human rights defenders and democracy advocates from violent attacks.

Previously reported, Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid by an unknown assailant after finishing a podcast recording at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office on Thursday evening, 12 March 2026.

KontraS Working Body Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya stated that the attack caused Andrie to suffer severe burns on several parts of his body.

“Particularly on the right and left hands, face, chest, and eye area,” said Dimas in an official statement confirmed by Kompas.com on Friday, 13 March 2026.

According to medical examination results, Andrie sustained burns covering approximately 24 per cent of his body and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.