TNI and Police Urged to Form Joint Team to Investigate Acid Attack on Andrie Yunus

Jakarta - TNI and Polri, along with several related state institutions, are being urged to form a joint team to investigate the acid attack on human rights defender and Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Andrie Yunus.

“To support this process, the establishment of a joint investigation team involving external institutions such as Polri, the Prosecutor’s Office, and Komnas HAM is a rational choice,” stated the Head of the Center for Intermestic and Diplomatic Engagement (CIDE), Anton Aliabbas, when contacted by Kompas.com on Thursday (19/3/2026).

This is especially the case since the alleged perpetrators are young officers from the TNI.

According to him, the handling of this case should rightfully receive attention from President Prabowo Subianto and his administration.

“Therefore, the seriousness in uncovering the case, including the motives for the attack and the masterminds, will be key to measuring how much attention from President Prabowo is truly heeded and followed up,” Anton said.

“The involvement of a Special DPR Committee/Team, comprising representatives from Commission I and Commission III, is crucial for conducting additional investigations, as a form of effective oversight of military institutions,” he added.

To ensure the legal process runs optimally, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto is expected to support and provide leeway for the team to carry out its duties.

Agus is also urged to promptly speak out and state his stance on the alleged criminal act committed by his subordinates. According to Anton, this step can be taken while the investigation is ongoing.

“In essence, with this case coming to light, the TNI Commander can relieve the superiors/commanders of the perpetrators from their duties,” Anton said.

So far, they have been detained at TNI Puspom before being transferred to Pomdam Jaya for detention.

Nevertheless, TNI Puspom has not yet disclosed the detailed roles of the four TNI personnel. However, two of the four are the executors of the acid attack on Andrie Yunus.

Not only that, the TNI has also not revealed the motive for the acid attack.

The acid attack on KontraS Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus occurred on Thursday night (12/3/2026) in the Senen area, Central Jakarta.

As a result of the attack, Andrie suffered burns on several parts of his body, including his eyes, face, chest, and hands.

Based on the initial diagnosis by the medical team at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, the victim suffered burns to approximately 24 percent of his body.