Three Acid Attack Cases Occur in Two Months, Police to Tighten Oversight

The misuse of chemicals in the form of sulphuric acid has frequently been employed to attack others in recent times. Over the last two months, three cases of attacks using sulphuric acid have been recorded, perpetrated by irresponsible individuals. The first case occurred on 6 February 2026, involving two students who attacked another student in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta. Most recently, an elderly man became a victim of an acid attack in the Bumi Sani housing complex, Setia Mekar, South Tambun, Bekasi Regency, on Monday (30/3/2026). In response to the issue, the Head of Public Relations of Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Pol Budi Hermanto, stated that they would hold discussions with several related agencies to tighten oversight of sulphuric acid use. “Yes (discussion). It will be examined because it involves several government elements. Whether it’s related to the chemical goods, their supervision. We will look into it together,” Budi said when met by reporters at Metro Jaya Police Headquarters on Wednesday (1/4/2026). Budi mentioned that there is already a regulation from the Ministry of Trade governing the circulation of sulphuric acid, including the requirements for buying and selling the liquid. However, this chemical is also frequently used for activities such as school experiments and automotive purposes.