TNI Opens Investigation into Caustic Acid Attack on Andrie Yunus

JAKARTA — The Indonesian Military (TNI) headquarters is investigating the caustic acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS).

Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, Head of the TNI’s Public Information Centre (Kapuspen), stated that the investigation is a response to circulating public opinion that TNI members may have been involved in the incident.

“Among the matters under review is the assault on our colleague Andrie Yunus. We have observed public speculation that the perpetrator may be from the TNI,” Aulia said during a meeting at the TNI Media Centre in Kramat, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

However, Aulia was unable to confirm these assumptions, requesting public patience as the investigation process continues. “Updates will follow,” he said.

Aulia emphasised that the investigation would proceed in a professional and transparent manner.

Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, was attacked by an unknown person using caustic acid on the evening of Thursday 12 March 2026 in the Senen area, Central Jakarta. According to initial diagnosis by the medical team at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, the victim sustained burns covering approximately 24 per cent of his body.

Dimas Bagus Arya, Coordinator of KontraS’s Working Body, stated that the incident occurred after Andrie had finished recording a podcast at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) in Menteng, Jakarta. As a result of the attack, Andrie Yunus is undergoing intensive care at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.