UI Student Alliance Condemns Attack on Andrie Yunus

Student unions at the University of Indonesia (UI) have condemned all attempts to silence critical voices in society, particularly the recent attack on Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of external affairs at the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS).

“This attack is a structured and systematic action to silence the critical voices of human rights defenders in Indonesia,” said Yatalathof Ma’shum Imawan, chairman of the UI Student Executive Board, following a joint statement by UI student union alliances at the Makara Monument on the UI campus on Sunday, 15 March 2026.

Prior to the incident, Yunus had received intimidation from unknown parties in the form of threats and terror. The acid attack on Andrie Yunus is evidence that civil space freedom in Indonesia is under threat.

In light of these circumstances, the state should protect and guarantee the rights of human rights advocates who are vulnerable to threats, terror, violence, and murder in civil society. “Today it may be Andrie, tomorrow the authoritarian nature of this state could claim the life of anyone who speaks out boldly. However, we will not submit to oppression,” Imawan stated firmly.

Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid whilst on Jalan Salemba I-Talang in Central Jakarta on Thursday evening, 12 March 2026. Yunus was sprayed with a hazardous solution by two unknown individuals travelling on a motorcycle.

The attackers approached from the opposite direction. Dimas Bagus Arya, KontraS coordinator, said the perpetrators sprayed acid onto the front of Yunus’s body. The corrosive chemical liquid struck Yunus’s right side, including his eyes, face, chest, and hands. Part of his clothing also melted from the acid.

According to medical records, Andrie suffered burns covering 24 per cent of his body. Yunus underwent eye surgery as a result of exposure to the corrosive liquid.