Setara Institute Urges Independent Fact-Finding Team to Thoroughly Investigate Andrie Yunus Case
The Setara Institute has emphasised the importance of a thorough disclosure regarding the acid-spraying case that afflicted Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS). Setara Institute Executive Director Halili Hasan stated that transparency in this case serves as a test for Indonesian democracy.
The Metro Jaya Police’s revelation of the initials of two suspected civilian perpetrators, along with the detention of four TNI personnel by the TNI Military Police Centre (Puspom), marks an initial bright spot. However, Halili stressed that the investigation must not stop at the field-level actors alone.
Halili questioned the motive behind the brutal attack. In his view, there must be academic and legal courage to dissect whether this assault was an individual initiative or part of a larger structure.
“We must dare to ask academically whether this is the act of a rogue individual or part of a chain of command?” Halili Hasan asserted in his written statement on Thursday (19/3/2026).
He added that intimidation against civilians and human rights activists is a tangible form of democracy’s weakening. Without uncovering the intellectual actors, this bad precedent will continue to haunt civil space in Indonesia.
As a solution to ensure substantive justice, the Setara Institute urges the government to immediately form an Independent Fact-Finding Team (TPF). The presence of external parties is deemed crucial to avoid potential conflicts of interest in the investigative process.
Halili warned that without an Independent TPF, the law enforcement process risks becoming a mere formality that sabotages justice for the victim.
Andrie Yunus was attacked by unknown individuals in Central Jakarta on Thursday night (12/3/2026). The incident occurred right after he finished recording a podcast at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office, discussing sensitive topics on militarism and the judicial review of the TNI Law.
The latest developments indicate involvement from elements of strategic institutions. TNI Danpuspom Major General Yusri Nuryanto confirmed that the four detained personnel (NDP, SL, BWH, and ES) are members of the Strategic Intelligence Agency Headquarters Detachment (Denma BAIS) TNI.
On the other hand, Metro Jaya Police has also secured two civilians with initials BHC and MAK, suspected of involvement in the spraying action, through coordination with one Polri data.
In response to the escalation of this case, Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has agreed to form a Working Committee (Panja) on Wednesday (18/3/2026). This Panja is expected to oversee the performance of the police and military to ensure the legal process runs transparently and accountably to its roots.
This case has now become a wide public spotlight, given the victim’s background as a vocal activist criticising national defence and security policies.
The Ministry of Human Rights stated that the acid-spraying case against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus has strategic dimensions, attracting broad public attention as well as international scrutiny.
President Prabowo Subianto needs to immediately form an independent fact-finding team (TPF).
He explained that in the context of geopolitics and national stability, clarity of information and firmness of the apparatus are key factors.
Habib appreciated the National Police and related parties who have uncovered the suspected perpetrators.
According to Yusuf, the National Police is very serious in handling the case that concerns all Indonesian society regarding freedom of democracy.
Kontras urges the formation of a TGPF to thoroughly investigate the systematic attack on Andrie Yunus and dismantle the intellectual actors behind this terror.
National Police Chief Listyo Sigit is asked to investigate thoroughly in a professional and transparent manner regarding the terror case against the human rights activist.
Hetifah emphasised that the heinous act of the acid attack on Andri is an action that cannot be justified and cannot be accepted.
The attack constitutes a brutal form of intimidation that threatens civil liberties in Indonesia.
President Prabowo Subianto has given direct orders to National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to thoroughly investigate the attack on Kontras activist Andrie Yunus.