PKS Legislator Proposes BNPT Oversight of Andrie Yunus Case Handling
Member of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission XIII, Yanuar Arif Wibowo, views the acid splashing attack on Andrie Yunus as a form of terror against civil liberties and democracy. The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician emphasised that the assault on the activist from the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) is not merely an ordinary criminal act, but intimidation intended to spread fear so that the public does not dare to be critical of the government.
“Freedom of expression is a constitutional right guaranteed in the democratic system. The target is not Andrie as an individual, but the critical public,” Yanuar stated in a written statement quoted on Friday, 20 March 2026.
According to Yanuar, the attack on Andrie meets the elements of terror that impacts public safety. He requested that the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) participate in overseeing the handling of this case. “Because its impact is not only on the victim, but this terror also threatens the climate of civil liberties in Indonesia,” he said.
In addition, Yanuar also encouraged the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) to conduct an independent investigation, given that this case indicates a threat to the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
He supports the trial process against the alleged perpetrators, who are members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, being held in a general court rather than a military court. “The victim is a civilian even though the perpetrators are rogue military members, so the legal process must be carried out in a general court to ensure law enforcement is transparent and accountable,” he said.
Previously, Andrie Yunus, who often criticises the TNI Law and the expansion of the military’s role in civilian spaces, was doused with acid while on Jalan Salemba I-Talang, Central Jakarta, on Thursday night, 12 March 2026. Andrie was splashed with a dangerous solution by two unidentified individuals. The two rode a motorcycle approaching from the opposite direction to Andrie.
The corrosive chemical liquid hit the right side of Andrie’s body, such as his eye, face, chest, and hand. Part of the victim’s clothing also melted due to the acid. Medical examination results show Andrie suffered serious burns covering 24 percent of his body. Andrie is currently undergoing treatment at the National Central General Hospital Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM).
Metro Jaya Police identified the two acid splashers with initials BHC and MAK. Photos of the two individuals were displayed during a press conference at Metro Jaya Police Headquarters, South Jakarta, on Wednesday. Meanwhile, on the same day, the TNI Military Police Centre detained four members of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) TNI suspected of being involved in the attack on Andrie. The four have initials NDP, SL, BHW, and ES, from the air and sea forces. NDP holds the rank of captain, SL and BHW are first lieutenants, while ES is a second sergeant.