PSHK: Acid Attack on Andrie Yunus Constitutes Serious Threat to Rule of Law
The acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Disappeared Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), in the Salemba area of Central Jakarta on the morning of 13 March, is considered more than a simple criminal act but rather a dangerous signal for the safety of human rights defenders and the state of civil space in Indonesia. The incident is viewed as a test of the state’s commitment to upholding the principles of the rule of law.
Rizky Argama, Executive Director of the Centre for Law and Policy Studies Indonesia (PSHK), issued a strong condemnation of the attack. “PSHK and the Indonesian Jentera School of Law strongly condemn the acid attack against Andrie Yunus, who is also an alumnus of the Indonesian Jentera School of Law,” Rizky stated.
The attack left Andrie Yunus with serious burns on multiple parts of his body, including his face and eyes. Rizky emphasised that such violence cannot be tolerated and must be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement authorities.
“This act of violence is intolerable and must be immediately and thoroughly investigated by law enforcement,” Rizky said.
Given the background of the victim’s human rights advocacy work, Rizky argued that the attack cannot be viewed as an ordinary crime. He warned that the incident could pose a threat to citizens’ freedom of expression and their ability to hold power accountable.
“In the context of human rights defence and public advocacy work carried out by the victim, this incident must also be seen as a threat to civil space and to the principle of the rule of law that guarantees citizens’ freedom to express their views,” he explained.
Rizky also highlighted the concerning trend of shrinking civil space in recent years. He noted that human rights defenders, journalists, academics, and civil society groups increasingly face intimidation, criminalisation, and violence when carrying out public advocacy work.
“The attack on Andrie Yunus reinforces concerns that human rights defence work faces increasingly serious security risks,” he said.
From a rule of law perspective, Rizky stressed that this situation cannot be allowed to continue. The state has a constitutional obligation to ensure that every citizen can exercise their civil and political rights safely.
“When human rights defenders can be brutally attacked in public spaces without adequate protection, what is at stake is not merely individual safety but the integrity of the democratic system and public trust in law enforcement,” he emphasised.
As an organisation that has long advocated for legal reform, PSHK and the Indonesian Jentera School of Law consider the protection of human rights defenders to be a crucial component of strengthening the rule of law in Indonesia.
“Firm and transparent law enforcement in this case is an important test of the state’s commitment to protecting civil liberties,” said Rizky.
PSHK and the Indonesian Jentera School of Law called on law enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate the case, including apprehending the perpetrators and identifying those behind the attack. They also requested that the investigation be conducted transparently and accountably to prevent impunity.
Furthermore, both institutions called on the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) to provide maximum protection to the victim and urged the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) to fulfil its mandate to protect human rights defenders in accordance with applicable regulations.
“Attacks on human rights defenders must not be normalised in a state that upholds the principles of democracy and the rule of law. The state must demonstrate genuine commitment to protecting civil space,” said Rizky.
PSHK and the Indonesian Jentera School of Law also expressed solidarity with Andrie Yunus, his family, and all elements of civil society that continue to struggle for justice and respect for human rights in Indonesia.