Students Set Up Tents at Komnas HAM: Thoroughly Investigate Andrie Yunus Case
A student alliance has set up tents in front of the Komnas HAM office, urging a thorough investigation into the acid attack on Wakil Koordinator KontraS Andrie Yunus by TNI BAIS members.
The Aliansi Kolektif Merpati stated that the action, titled ‘Tents for Andrie, Palanquin for Democracy’, is a response to the unclear handling of Andrie Yunus’s case by Puspom TNI, despite it having been ongoing for one month.
‘Tents for Andrie’ symbolises that human rights defenders must receive real protection from both the state and civil society solidarity,” said Humas Kolektif Merpati, Dendy, in a written statement on Monday (6/4).
Dendy said ‘Palanquin for Democracy’ also signals that the current state of democracy is dying. Activists’ lives are at stake in elite political interests, and the people continue to be the victims.
On the other hand, the coalition assesses that the handling of Andrie’s case by Puspom TNI is not proceeding transparently. To date, the intellectual actors and chain of command behind this attack have not been revealed.
“Handing the case over to the military environment adds concerns about impunity practices, especially since the perpetrators come from the same institution,” he stated.
“This situation shows a serious conflict of interest and threatens the principle of accountability. We see that the Andrie Yunus case and its handling process indicate an ongoing democracy crisis,” he added.
Therefore, said he, Kolektif Merpati demands the formation of an Independent Fact-Finding Team involving civil society elements to ensure transparency in uncovering the Andrie Yunus case.
Second, the alliance also pushes for this case to be tried in a general (civilian) court, not a military court, to guarantee independence and justice for the victim.
Third, they urge the DPR to accelerate the discussion and ratification of regulations guaranteeing protection for human rights defenders.
Fourth, they demand a comprehensive audit of TNI BAIS to ensure no abuse of authority and to guarantee security institution reform.
Dendy emphasised the presence of Kolektif Merpati in front of Komnas HAM to ensure that Komnas HAM does not hesitate in demanding the handling of Andrie’s case to proceed transparently and accountably, without any pretence.
“The attempted murder of Andrie Yunus is not just an ordinary criminal matter, but a test of the state’s commitment to democracy and human rights,” he said.
“Without a thorough revelation of the truth and fair accountability, impunity will continue to be maintained. Justice for Andrie is part of the struggle to uphold democracy itself,” he concluded.
Kolektif Merpati consists of students from Universitas Trisakti, Universitas Nasional, Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Driyarkara, Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Teologi Jakarta, Unika Atma Jaya, UNJ, Universitas Indraprasta Jakarta.
In addition, STIH Jentera, UNS, UIN Jakarta, UNJ, IPB, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Indonesia, Universitas Budi Luhur, Universitas Moestopo.