Recovery for Andrie Yunus, victim of acid attack, estimated to take up to two years
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Human Rights Commission has revealed that the recovery process for Andrie Yunus, a KontraS activist who became the victim of an acid splashing incident, is estimated to be lengthy, lasting up to two years, in line with the complexity of the injuries he suffered.
Commissioner for Monitoring and Investigation of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), Saurlin P. Siagian, conveyed the results of an in-depth review by the medical team, which categorised Andrie Yunus’s injuries as burns caused by a strong acidic chemical substance.
“Surgeries are still ongoing and will continue for the next six months to two years for recovery,” said Saurlin in Jakarta on Thursday.
He explained that the first six months represent a crucial period in determining the direction of Andrie Yunus’s recovery, particularly to ensure the stability of the wound condition and the body’s response to further medical interventions.
Komnas HAM Mediation Commissioner Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi added that the medical treatment provided so far has been intensive and measured.
However, several specific conditions, particularly on the victim’s right eye, are still under analysis, so the final developments cannot yet be concluded.
“They cannot yet conclude whether there has been a deterioration or improvement; that is still in process,” he said.
Komnas HAM’s in-depth review also encompasses short-term and long-term impacts, both physical and psychological, as the basis for formulating recommendations for victim-centred protection handling.
Previously, the National General Hospital Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM) in Jakarta revealed the latest medical condition of the victim, showing serious challenges in tissue recovery.
RSCM’s Legal and Public Relations Manager, Yoga Nara, explained that the medical team found ischaemia in around 40 percent of the area below the right eye’s sclera, causing tissue thinning.
“On Wednesday, 25 March 2026, at 10:00 WIB, the patient underwent an integrated surgical procedure involving a team of eye specialists and plastic surgeons,” said Yoga.
In that surgery, tissue relocation, attachment of an amnion membrane, and reinstallation of an eye protector were performed to repair the surface of the eyeball.
In addition, debridement and skin grafting were carried out on the burn areas around the eye, chest, and shoulder to accelerate healing.
RSCM stated that the current focus of treatment is to maintain the integrity of the right eyeball and control the ongoing inflammatory process, with close monitoring by a multidisciplinary medical team.