Police Chief Gives Special Attention to Acid Attack on KontraS Activist
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has given special attention to the case of an acid attack against Andrie Yunus, an activist from the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS). The Police have assured they will resolve the case comprehensively.
This special attention was conveyed by Police Public Relations Division Head Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir at Police Headquarters in South Jakarta on Friday (13 March). Although the case is being handled by the Central Jakarta Police, the Metro Jaya Police Regional Command and the Criminal Investigation Directorate have offered support.
“The Police Chief, as head of the Police, has given special attention to the handling and investigation of this case,” Isir stated.
“The investigation being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Unit of Central Jakarta Police is supported by both Metro Jaya Police Regional Command and the Criminal Investigation Directorate of Police Headquarters,” he added.
Isir assured that the investigation and prosecution process was conducted professionally based on scientific investigation methodology. “The witnesses being interviewed are those who were with the victim and assisted the victim,” he explained.
Police also expressed sympathy over the incident and prayed for the victim’s swift recovery. “We share in the sorrow and pray that the victim, identified as AY, receives proper medical care and recovers fully,” Isir said.
Police Appeal for Public Information
Police also called upon members of the public who have knowledge of the series of events to provide information to investigators. The police assured protection for citizens providing statements.
“We assure the public providing information will receive protection,” Isir stated.
Isir stressed that police were committed to fully investigating the matter professionally and apprehending all perpetrators involved.
“The Police will be serious and earnest in bringing the matter fully to light, identifying and apprehending the perpetrators, whoever they may be,” Isir concluded.
Two Witnesses Examined
Head of Metro Jaya Police Public Relations Commissioner Budi Hermanto assured that the investigation was continuing. His unit had already interviewed two witnesses.
“Two witnesses have been examined. They are residents in the area who saw and knew about the incident,” Budi told journalists on Saturday (14 March).
The victim is currently receiving medical treatment. The victim was diagnosed with 24 per cent burn injuries.
“The victim is still under medical care, diagnosed with 24 per cent burn injuries,” Budi said.
CCTV Chronology
The acid attack on Andrie Yunus occurred on Thursday (12 March) at 23:30 on Salemba Street in Central Jakarta. Police conducted a crime scene investigation to trace the identity of the perpetrator.
In CCTV footage in circulation, two male perpetrators on a motorcycle are seen passing by the location. They turned their motorcycle around until they encountered the victim.
The victim, who was riding a motorcycle at the time, was doused with acid by the perpetrators. The victim immediately felt a burning sensation, crashed his motorcycle at the roadside, and screamed hysterically.
“Ah… ah… ah… hot… hot… hot. Acid… acid. My God, help, acid… acid… acid,” the victim screamed, visible in CCTV footage on Friday (13 March).
The victim immediately removed his clothing. His shirt was torn and his body blistered from the acid attack.
The victim’s screams immediately drew the attention of residents. People arrived at the scene to help.
“Is it LBH? LBH?” residents asked.
“KontraS,” the victim replied.