Pigai on Andrie Yunus Case: We Cannot Be Directed to Determine the Legal Process

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has emphasised that the government cannot be directed to determine the course of the legal process in the acid attack case against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus.

“The executive cannot regulate or direct the judicial process anywhere; it cannot. We can only state that this is unfair. That is sufficient for the government,” Pigai said during a working meeting with Commission XIII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Tuesday (7/4/2026).

Pigai stressed that Indonesia’s state system upholds the principle of separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Therefore, the government must not intervene in ongoing legal processes.

“We cannot be led to determine the punishment of someone in the judicial context, because a true state must not interfere in the judicial process,” he stated.

“According to the rules, the legal process is currently underway in the military court,” he added.

Nevertheless, Pigai stated that the government has demonstrated a firm stance on the acid attack case afflicting the activist from the outset.

He noted that attention to this case has come from various parties, including the DPR, political parties, and the President.

“This is the first time in the history of the Republic of Indonesia that a case faced by an activist has immediately garnered the attention of the Republic of Indonesia’s government,” Pigai said.

However, he acknowledged that public scrutiny of the case arises due to doubts about the professionalism of the judicial process.

“As a minister, I also request that if possible, trial by the mob and trial by the press are not good. Legal processes due to public and press pressure are sometimes not beneficial,” he remarked.

“The current momentum is sometimes needed, because many doubt whether professionalism in the judicial process still exists in this case,” he continued.

Regardless, Pigai assured that the government is committed to protecting all citizens without regard to political background.

“Do not doubt the Ministry of Human Rights or the government regarding injustices faced by anyone in the Republic of Indonesia,” he said.