PSI: Acid attack on KontraS activist is indefensible

Tangerang District, Banten — The Central Leadership Council (DPP) of the Solidaritas Indonesia Party (PSI) has stated that a terrorist attack involving an acid attack against Andrie Yunus, Vice-Coordinator of KontraS, by unknown assailants is utterly indefensible.

Deputy General Chairman of PSI’s DPP, Ratu Isyana Bagoes Oka, said in an interview in Tangerang District, Banten, on Saturday that any action threatening the safety and security of others violates applicable laws in this country.

“We’ll see what happens, but clearly any terrorist act cannot be justified,” said Isyana.

She stated that her party, represented by General Chairman Kaesang Pangarep, has taken a position and supported a thorough investigation.

“General Chairman Kaesang Pangarep has already made a statement and issued a press release, and clearly the police will investigate who is behind this,” she said.

In this matter, PSI urges that the case be quickly resolved and those responsible for committing or coordinating the attack be punished in accordance with applicable law.

“And hopefully it can be resolved and investigated thoroughly,” she said.

Previously, Andrie was attacked by unknown assailants who splashed acid on him, causing injuries to his hands and feet as well as visual disturbances.

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

According to reports, on Thursday evening (12 March) at approximately 23:37 Western Indonesia Time, the victim was riding a motorcycle on Salemba I Street, Central Jakarta.

Two assailants on a motorcycle approached the victim and splashed acid on him before fleeing.

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