Suspected Perpetrator of Acid Attack on Andrie Yunus Identified, Government: Process in Accordance with the Law

Police and the TNI have identified the perpetrator of the acid attack on Kontras activist Andrie Yunus. Four members of TNI’s BAIS are now detained on suspicion of involvement as perpetrators. Head of the Indonesian Government’s Communication Agency (Bakom) RI, Angga Raka Prabowo, stated that acts of violence against citizens, regardless of the perpetrator, cannot be tolerated. “Whoever the perpetrator is must be processed in accordance with applicable law,” said Angga in Jakarta on Wednesday (18/3). He also expressed appreciation to Polri for identifying the suspected acid sprayer. Currently, the law enforcement process for the case is accompanied by actions from the TNI’s Military Police Centre (Puspom), which has secured those four BAIS TNI personnel. Angga assessed that the quick and professional response of law enforcement apparatus is important to maintain public trust amid a sensitive situation. “We note the quick and professional steps of the apparatus, both Polri and Puspom TNI, as part of the law enforcement process that is proceeding openly,” he said. He emphasised that the involvement of rogue elements in the incident does not reflect the overall image of the institution. The government, he said, respects the TNI’s transparent handling of this case. He urged the public to remain wise and not spread unverified information. As reported, Kontras activist Andrie Yunus was doused with acid in the Salemba area, Central Jakarta, on Thursday night (12/3). The incident occurred after Andrie Yunus recorded a podcast at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office regarding militarism and a judicial review of the TNI Law. As many as 86 CCTV recordings have been collected and presented in the investigation process. All those recordings are now being analysed to uncover the incident comprehensively. The TNI Military Police Centre has secured four members of the BAIS TNI Military Police Unit suspected of involvement in the acid attack on Andrie Yunus. Differences in the number will be part of the investigators’ deepening to unravel each individual’s involvement in the incident. Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the DPR RI from the PKS Faction, Sukamta, responded to developments in the acid attack case against Kontras activist Andrie Yunus, which is suspected to involve rogue members of TNI’s BAIS. Commission III DPR RI’s Habiburokhman requested that the case administration be conducted carefully.