Police investigate acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus

Jakarta — The Jakarta Metro Police continue to investigate the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), which occurred in Central Jakarta.

“The Criminal Investigation Unit (Sat Reskrim) of Central Jakarta Police is currently conducting investigation into witnesses and the crime scene,” said Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, head of the Public Affairs division of Jakarta Metro Police, in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.

He also stated that the police condemn such actions and hope that the perpetrators will be apprehended soon.

Meanwhile, AKBP Roby Heri Saputra, head of the Criminal Investigation Unit (Kasat Reskrim) of Central Jakarta Metro Police, confirmed the incident.

“Yes, such an incident did occur. An official report from the victim has not yet been filed, however we are conducting an investigation to identify the perpetrators through scientific investigation methods,” said Roby.

Earlier, KontraS urged law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into those responsible for the acid attack on KontraS deputy coordinator Andrie Yunus in Central Jakarta.

“This incident is an attempt to silence critical voices in society, particularly human rights defenders,” stated Dimas in a written statement in Jakarta on Friday.

He explained that Andrie Yunus was attacked by unidentified assailants who sprayed caustic liquid on him, causing wounds to his hands and feet and visual disturbances.

The incident occurred shortly after Andrie had finished recording a podcast at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office discussing militarism and judicial review of the Armed Forces Law.

According to preliminary information, at approximately 23:37 Western Indonesia Time, the victim was riding a motorcycle on Jalan Salemba I in Central Jakarta. Two perpetrators on a motorcycle approached the victim and sprayed caustic liquid before fleeing the scene.

As a result of the attack, the victim sustained burns to approximately 24 per cent of his body and was immediately taken to hospital for emergency medical treatment, particularly to his eyes which were affected by the caustic liquid.