Police Give Special Attention to Acid Attacks on Kontras Activist, Pledge Thorough Investigation

Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (Kontras), was allegedly doused with acid by an unknown assailant in Salemba, central Jakarta. The National Police stated that the case has received the attention of senior leadership and promised a thorough investigation into the perpetrator.

“On this occasion, we wish to convey that the National Police Chief, as the head of the National Police, has given special attention to the handling and investigation of this case,” said Police Public Relations Division Head (Kadiv Humas) Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir at National Police Headquarters in south Jakarta on Friday (13 March 2026).

Isir stated that the alleged acid attack case is being handled by the Central Jakarta Police. Metro Jaya Police Region and the Criminal Investigation Directorate are also assisting to accelerate the investigation.

“Following up on the attention and directives of the National Police Chief, the handling being conducted by the Special Crime Unit (Satreskrim) of Central Jakarta Police is being backed up by both the Metro Jaya Police Region and the Criminal Investigation Directorate, particularly by colleagues from National Police Headquarters,” said Isir.

“The National Police also ensure that the investigation and prosecution process, as part of law enforcement, is conducted on a scientific basis,” he added.

Victim Attacked after Podcast with YLBHI

Dimas Bagus Arya, Coordinator of the Kontras Board, explained that the alleged acid attack on Andrie Yunus occurred at 11 p.m. on Thursday (12 March). He stated that Andrie had been conducting a podcast at the office of the Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”.

Andrie Yunus was taken to hospital for medical treatment. Medical examination showed that Andrie suffered burns covering 24 per cent of his body.

“Based on information we have gathered, we believe that this acid attack is an attempt to silence critical voices in society, particularly human rights defenders, which according to Law Number 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, Article 66 of Law Number 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, and the Regulation of the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Indonesia Number 5 of 2015 on Procedures for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders,” explained Dimas.