State to Cover Medical Treatment Costs for KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus
Indonesia’s Ministry of Human Rights has assured that the state will bear all medical treatment and recovery costs for Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), who became a victim of an acid attack.
“The Ministry of Human Rights ensures that the state will cover all medical treatment and recovery costs until completion,” said Deputy Human Rights Minister Mugiyanto in a written statement on Sunday, 15 March.
Mugiyanto called on the National Police to accelerate investigations into the acid attack incident to expose the perpetrators and masterminds behind the assault. He stated that legal proceedings must be conducted to prevent continued intimidation, terror, and violence against human rights defenders and others.
He expressed hope that security authorities would not treat the incident as a minor matter, as it could damage Indonesia’s international credibility.
“This is extremely urgent for police to address, so that all of us, including the government, can have certainty and prevent speculation and wild narratives that ultimately undermine the government’s commitment to respect and protection of human rights,” he said.
According to Mugiyanto, the acid attack on Andrie Yunus significantly impacts Indonesia’s position as President of the UN Human Rights Council. He acknowledged that the incident has drawn scrutiny from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor.
“This significantly affects Indonesia’s positioning as a UN Human Rights Council member and as President of the Human Rights Council,” said Mugiyanto.
Mugiyanto stated that the government is committed to protecting and respecting human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, the right to voice opinions, and the right to peaceful assembly, as stipulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which was ratified through Law Number 12 of 2005.
He noted that demonstrating this commitment means respecting critical voices and criticism from all segments of society as a mechanism of checks and balances to improve national life and governance.
“Once again, the Ministry of Human Rights expresses deep sympathy and solidarity with Andrie Yunus and prays for his speedy recovery with the best care from the hospital,” said Mugiyanto.
Andrie Yunus became a victim of an acid attack by an unknown assailant that caused serious injuries across his body, particularly on both hands, face, chest, and eyes.
The incident occurred shortly after Andrie finished recording a podcast at the office of the Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia” at approximately 23:00 on Thursday, 12 March.
Following the incident, Andrie was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment. Medical examination revealed that he sustained burns covering 24 percent of his body. His right eye was the most severely affected area.