UN Expresses Concern Over Acid Attack on Indonesian Human Rights Activist

Jakarta – Multiple officials from the United Nations human rights bodies have expressed concern over an acid attack against KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence) activist Andrie Yunus and have called for the perpetrators to be arrested.

“Deeply concerned by the terrifying acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS),” according to a statement from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, quoted via social media account X @UNHumanRights on Saturday.

In the statement, Türk affirmed that whoever committed this “cowardly act of violence” must be held accountable.

He emphasised that human rights defenders, such as Andrie, play an important role in highlighting issues of public concern and therefore must be protected.

“Human rights defenders must be protected when carrying out their vital role, and must be able to highlight issues of public concern without fear,” said the UN Commissioner.

Similarly, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor expressed deep concern over the attack on Andrie, which caused injuries across his body.

“I call upon Indonesian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this frightening attack,” said Lawlor, also via social media X.

She emphasised that impunity in cases of violence against human rights defenders is completely unacceptable.

Activist Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid by an unknown individual whilst travelling in Central Jakarta on Thursday evening (12 March). The incident occurred after Andrie had finished attending a podcast recording session at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office.

According to circulating reports, the victim sustained burn injuries on several parts of his body from the attack and is currently undergoing medical treatment.

Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai condemned the violence against the KontraS activist and affirmed that the state cannot tolerate such thuggery against anyone, including human rights defenders.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Pigai also called on police to thoroughly investigate the case so that the perpetrators can be prosecuted and the victim and his family can obtain justice.