Police Chief Orders Special Investigation into Caustic Chemical Attack on KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus
Jakarta – Indonesia’s National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has given special attention to the investigation of an alleged caustic chemical attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS).
The incident occurred in the Salemba I area, Senen, Central Jakarta and is now being investigated by the Central Jakarta Metro Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit with support from the Jakarta Metro Police Regional Office and the National Police Criminal Investigation Directorate.
Head of the National Police Public Relations Division, Inspector General Johnny Edizzon Isir stated that the police leadership has granted special attention to ensure swift resolution of the case.
“On this occasion, we wish to convey that the National Police Chief, as leader of the National Police, has given special attention to the handling and investigation of this case,” Johnny told reporters on Friday, 13 March 2026.
Johnny explained that the investigation is being conducted based on Police Report Model A number 222/III/2026/Satreskrim/Restro Jakarta Pusat/Polda Metro Jaya.
In handling the case, police are also applying a scientific-based law enforcement approach, or scientific crime investigation, to identify the perpetrator and motive behind the incident.
“The National Police also ensures that the investigative and prosecutorial process, as part of law enforcement, is conducted on a scientific basis. Witness interviews are currently being conducted,” he said.
The suspected criminal offences under investigation relate to aggravated assault as stipulated in Articles 467 Subsection 2 and/or 468 Subsection 1 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP).
Previously reported, Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), became a victim of an alleged caustic chemical attack by an unknown assailant in the Salemba area, Central Jakarta, on Thursday evening, 12 March 2026.
The incident is now being investigated by the Central Jakarta Metro Police. Police have confirmed that the victim received medical treatment following the incident.
Head of the Public Relations Division of the Jakarta Metro Police Regional Office, Senior Police Commissioner Budi Hermanto confirmed the occurrence of the dangerous chemical attack on the activist.
“We confirm that there was an alleged dangerous chemical attack against a victim in the Salemba area, Central Jakarta. The victim has since received medical treatment at the Central Indonesian State Hospital (RSCM),” Budi said in his statement on Friday, 13 March 2026.