Political Analyst Praises Proactive Steps by National Police in Handling Andrie Yunus Case

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Senior political analyst Boni Hargens has praised the proactive measures taken by the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in addressing the acid attack on KontraS deputy coordinator Andrie Yunus. He stated that the police have acted swiftly, transparently, and proportionately in uncovering the perpetrators and the masterminds behind the assault. “Most recently, the police have released images of the suspected perpetrator or executor in this case, and the TNI has apprehended four of its members suspected of involvement,” Boni said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday. Furthermore, he noted that the Police and the TNI will coordinate in investigating the perpetrators in the acid attack case on Andrie. In addition, Boni opined that the complaint post established by Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo regarding specific complaints and witness testimonies for the acid attack case represents a positive breakthrough. In fact, according to him, the existence of this complaint post has assisted the police in conducting investigations into Andrie’s case more quickly and efficiently, serving as a direct bridge between the public and the police institution. “Information from the community can provide valuable leads for investigators in tracing the perpetrators’ trail and building a comprehensive and accountable case construction,” he said. Boni added that the opened post also embodies community policing, incorporating public participation and legal transparency in investigating cases of violence that have disturbed the social sphere and posed a threat to democratic freedoms in Indonesia. He further observed that the incident experienced by Andrie has shaken Indonesia’s social space and raised widespread concerns among human rights activists. Because attacks on human rights activists are not merely ordinary criminal acts, but direct threats to democratic freedoms and a healthy civil ecosystem in Indonesia. “The attack on a KontraS activist is a danger signal threatening the courage of human rights defenders,” Boni stated. Previously, Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo assured that the police are continuing to work on handling the acid attack case against Andrie. “Yesterday, the President clearly instructed us to investigate thoroughly. Naturally, Polri is currently working on it,” the Police Chief said at the Metro Jaya Regional Police Field, Jakarta, on Wednesday (18/3). He mentioned that Polri, through the Metro Jaya Regional Police’s General Criminal Investigation Directorate, is deeply analysing 86 surveillance cameras (CCTV) at the crime scene (TKP). Nevertheless, the Police Chief emphasised that Polri will not stop at CCTV footage and will seek other sources of information and evidence. Meanwhile, the Metro Jaya Regional Police has identified two initialled suspects in the acid attack case on Andrie. “When available, we can inform that the two individuals we showed earlier, from Polri data, one initialled BHC, and one initialled MAK,” said the Director of General Criminal Investigation of Metro Jaya Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday (18/3). However, Iman explained that based on investigation results, it does not rule out the possibility that the perpetrators number more than four people, as per initial information provided and based on statements from several witnesses who have been questioned, namely 15 witnesses.