Still receiving treatment at RSCM, Komnas HAM designates Andrie Yunus as a human rights defender
The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has strongly condemned the acid attack against Kontras activist Andrie Yunus, who is currently undergoing intensive treatment at RSCM Jakarta. Saurlin P Siagian, Commissioner for Monitoring and Investigation at Komnas HAM, emphasised that violence against Andrie is an act that cannot be tolerated.
“Komnas HAM strongly condemns the violence that occurred against our brother Andrie Yunus as a crime and cruelty that cannot be tolerated,” said Saurlin at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (17 March).
He stated that Komnas HAM has been conducting proactive monitoring and is currently investigating the incident through its authority.
“Komnas HAM is conducting an investigation through its monitoring authority over the incident that occurred,” he said.
As part of these efforts, Komnas HAM has formed a team under the Sub-Commission for Human Rights Enforcement and is coordinating with various parties, including the victim’s family, representatives from Kontras, the police, and the Institute for Witness and Victim Protection (LPSK).
“We are coordinating with various parties to ensure justice for the victim, recovery services, and investigation of the perpetrators. From communication with LPSK, we received information that the victim will be provided with protection and medical support,” explained Saurlin.
Additionally, Komnas HAM has also conducted an assessment of Andrie Yunus regarding his status as a human rights defender, in accordance with Komnas HAM Regulation Number 5 of 2015 concerning the Procedure for Providing Protection to Human Rights Defenders.
Based on the results of this assessment, Komnas HAM issued a Certificate of Human Rights Defender and a Protection Letter that was submitted to the police.
“We have issued a Certificate of Human Rights Defender in the name of Andrie Yunus and a Protection Letter that was submitted to the Metro Jaya Regional Police Chief,” he said.
Komnas HAM also urged police to immediately and thoroughly investigate this case professionally.
“We urge the police to conduct investigation and prosecution independently, quickly, transparently, and accountably,” Saurlin stated firmly.
Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of resolving this case to prevent further violence against human rights defenders.
“The resolution of this case is important to stop attempts to silence human rights defenders. If it is not quickly resolved, similar violence has the potential to continue because the perpetrators appear to be granted impunity,” he concluded.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that treatment for Kontras activist Andrie Yunus, a victim of acid attack at RSCM, is free of charge. National General Hospital Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM) is providing intensive treatment for Andrie Yunus, a victim of burns caused by exposure to caustic chemicals.
Komnas HAM also highlighted the position of the Indonesian National Police, which often finds itself in a dilemma.