Vice President's Staff Call for Tighter Controls on Caustic Soda Distribution
The Vice President’s Special Staff, Nico Harjanto, expressed sympathy for and condemned the attack on Andrie Yunus, an activist with the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), who was doused with caustic acid by an unknown assailant.
In response, Nico called on relevant agencies to tighten the distribution of caustic soda and other dangerous materials, particularly those frequently used in criminal activities, street violence, and attacks on innocent citizens. He stated in a written statement on Sunday, 15 March 2026, that he hoped the government would ensure Andrie Yunus received the best medical treatment to recover without financial burden, while also focusing on victim recovery and thorough investigation of the case.
“I hope the tragic incident experienced by Andrie Yunus is the last of its kind,” Nico said.
Another Vice Presidential Special Staff member, Suwardi, also condemned the attack on the pro-democracy activist. He noted that the acid attack on Andrie had the potential to create fear and sow mutual suspicion within society. “Public accusations and suspicion can easily be directed at the government as the state administrator,” he stated in a written statement on Sunday, 15 March 2026.
He urged law enforcement to investigate swiftly, comprehensively, and transparently as ordered by President Prabowo Subianto. Suwardi also encouraged the removal of mutual suspicion between government and civil society during the investigation. “The relationship between the state and civil society must be built on principles of mutual respect, transparency, and shared commitment to the rule of law,” Suwardi said.
Previously, Andrie Yunus was doused with caustic acid whilst on Jalan Salemba I-Talang in central Jakarta on Thursday evening, 12 March 2026. He was attacked by two unknown assailants riding a motorcycle. The perpetrators approached from the opposite direction and sprayed the corrosive liquid across the front of Andrie’s body.
After being hit by the acid, Andrie collapsed to the ground screaming in pain. According to Dimas Bagus Arya, Kontras coordinator, Andrie had just finished recording a podcast titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia” at the offices of the Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) in central Jakarta around 23:00 local time that evening.
The corrosive chemical affected the right side of Andrie’s body, including his eyes, face, chest, and hands. Part of his clothing also melted from the acid. According to medical records, Andrie sustained burns covering 24 percent of his body surface area and underwent eye surgery as a result of the caustic exposure.