Prabowo Orders Police Chief to Thoroughly Investigate Attack on Activist Andrie Yunus
President Prabowo Subianto has given direct orders to National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to thoroughly investigate the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS).
“I have received direct orders from the President to conduct a thorough investigation in a professional, transparent manner, and of course the steps we take will prioritise scientific crime investigation,” said Listyo at a press conference on Sunday, 15 March.
Scientific crime investigation is an investigative method that integrates knowledge and forensic technology to establish objective truth. This method prioritises physical evidence and expert analysis (forensic laboratory, DNA, digital, and medical evidence) over witness statements or suspect testimony alone.
The National Police are currently gathering various information and analysing it one by one. They will also establish a complaints centre to allow the public to report directly if they possess relevant information.
“We will provide guidance. Clearly, all information provided by the public will be protected,” said Listyo.
He stated that his teams will continue working and will regularly update the public on developments.
“Because this is indeed a serious concern for the President,” he added.
Previously, police have been examining witnesses and surveillance camera footage (CCTV). This step is being taken to identify the perpetrator quickly.
“Collection of various digital evidence, including CCTV, is undergoing further analysis. The hope is to identify [the perpetrator] soon,” said National Police Public Relations Division Chief Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir in Jakarta on Friday, 13 May.
He stated that two witnesses have already been interviewed and assured that the investigation will continue.
Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, was attacked with caustic liquid by an unknown assailant on Thursday evening, 12 March, in Central Jakarta. The attack left him with burns covering approximately 24% of his body.
The attack is believed to be premeditated. A similar attack was previously suffered by former KPK investigator Novel Baswedan.
Democracy requires all parties to uphold mutual respect, including when there are differences in viewpoint.
The acid attack on Andrie Yunus has drawn strong condemnation.