Parliamentary Member Urges Disclosure of Perpetrator in Acid Attack on Human Rights Activist

Jakarta – Martin Daniel Tumbelaka, a member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has called for the perpetrator of an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of the External Relations Division of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), to be identified and prosecuted.

Martin emphasised that such violent actions cannot be justified in a law-based state. “We certainly condemn such acts of violence. Whoever is responsible must be immediately identified and processed according to applicable law,” stated Martin in a statement on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Martin has also urged law enforcement authorities to act swiftly in investigating the case to prevent public concern and maintain confidence in the judicial system. “Law enforcement must work professionally and objectively. Cases like this must be thoroughly investigated to prevent recurrence,” he said.

The acid attack on Kontras activist Andrie Yunus occurred on the right and left hands, face, chest, and eye area. The incident took place shortly after Yunus had finished recording a podcast at the offices of the Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”.

Following the attack, Yunus was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment. Medical examination revealed he sustained 24 percent burns.

Kontras representatives stated: “Based on the information we have gathered, we believe that this acid attack represents an attempt to silence critical voices in society, particularly human rights defenders.”