Vice Presidential Staff: Gibran Concerned About Caustic Soda Attack on KontraS Activist

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka expressed concern over a caustic soda attack against Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Andrie Yunus.

Tina Talisa, Special Staff to the Vice President, stated that Gibran emphasised the importance of ensuring citizen safety and protecting democratic space in Indonesia.

“Vice President Gibran Rakabuming conveyed his deep attention and concern over this incident, whilst emphasising the importance of ensuring the safety of every citizen and maintaining a healthy and open democratic space,” Tina said in a written statement.

Tina noted that President Prabowo Subianto has also given clear direction to law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the incident professionally, transparently, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

“The state has an interest in ensuring that every act of violence against citizens is handled seriously and justly,” she said.

Furthermore, Tina stated that the caustic soda attack on Andrie Yunus was an act that could not be justified in a nation and state that upholds law, humanity, and democratic values.

According to her, the government ensures that victims receive necessary medical treatment and recovery support, whilst continuing to monitor the development of the law enforcement process underway.

“All parties are expected to give their trust to the legal process underway and together maintain a conducive situation,” she said.

Previously, KontraS Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus was attacked with caustic soda in central Jakarta on the evening of 12 March.

KontraS Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya said the incident occurred after Andrie Yunus attended a podcast event titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia” at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), around 23.00 Western Indonesian Time.

“He was attacked with caustic soda by an unknown person, resulting in serious injuries across his body, particularly on both hands, face, chest, and the eye area,” he said in a written statement on 13 March.

Dimas described the characteristics of the suspected first perpetrator who wore a white-blue combination shirt, dark trousers believed to be jeans, and a black helmet.

The second perpetrator, who was the motorcycle passenger, wore a black face covering or mask resembling a ‘buff’ that covered half the face, a dark blue shirt, and blue long trousers folded short and believed to be made of jeans.