Parliament Commission III Condemns Caustic Soda Attack on Activist: Disagreement Must Not Be Met with Violence

Jakarta – Parliament’s Commission III has strongly condemned the caustic soda attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. Andrie suffered 24 per cent burn injuries as a result of the incident.

Commission III Chair Habiburokhman stated that he has contacted the Metro Jaya Police Chief regarding the case. He requested that the police move quickly to investigate the matter and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

“We have already contacted the Metro Jaya Police Chief and requested that the police move swiftly to investigate this case and arrest those responsible,” said Habiburokhman on Saturday, 14 March 2026.

He stressed that the state cannot tolerate any form of violence against its citizens. According to Habiburokhman, every difference of opinion must not be responded to with violence.

“Whatever form of disagreement should never be responded to with violence and thuggery,” he said.

The Gerindra Party politician also explained that based on Article 28G of the 1945 Constitution, every person has the right to personal protection. “And the right to feel safe and protected from threats and fear in order to take or not take certain actions, which constitute human rights,” Habiburokhman continued.

Habiburokhman stressed that Commission III will oversee this case to ensure that the investigation proceeds swiftly and professionally.

Previously, KontraS Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya reported that the incident occurred after Andrie Yunus completed a podcast recording at the offices of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) in Central Jakarta.

According to him, the attack took place at approximately 11:00 pm after Andrie finished recording a podcast episode titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”.

“KontraS Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus was attacked with caustic soda by an unknown person, resulting in serious injuries across his body, particularly on both hands, face, chest, and eye area,” said Dimas.

The victim was immediately rushed to hospital for medical treatment. Following medical examination, Andrie was found to have sustained burns covering approximately 24 per cent of his body from the liquid.