Response to Andrie Yunus Case: Gibran Affirms Citizens' Safety and Preservation of Healthy Democratic Space

Vice President (VP) Gibran Rakabuming Raka has emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of all citizens and preserving healthy and open democratic space in response to an acid attack against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus.

Through a statement from VP Special Staff Tina Talisa, Gibran expressed deep concern and attention regarding the incident.

“The government expresses deep concern over the assault incident,” Tina stated in her remarks in Jakarta on Sunday.

She emphasised that acts of violence such as acid attacks cannot be justified in a nation and state that upholds the rule of law, humanity, and democratic values.

According to Tina, President Prabowo Subianto has given clear instructions to law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate the incident in a professional, transparent manner, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

“The state has an interest in ensuring that every act of violence against citizens is handled seriously and fairly,” Tina said.

The government, she continued, ensures that the victim receives medical treatment and necessary recovery support whilst monitoring the ongoing legal enforcement process.

The state, she noted, is committed to strengthening protection of citizens and ensuring that democratic space remains safeguarded.

The government also called on all parties to place their trust in the ongoing legal process and to jointly maintain a conducive situation.

Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo at Gubeng Station in Surabaya, East Java, on Sunday, stated that President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to thoroughly investigate the Andrie Yunus case.

For this reason, he said Polri is gathering various information and has even opened complaint posts for the public.

Previously, on 12 March 2026, Andrie Yunus was doused with acid whilst riding a motorcycle after conducting a podcast recording at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), which discussed militarism and constitutional review of legislation regarding the Indonesian National Army.

YLBHI described the terror against Andrie Yunus as suspected premeditated murder.