Victim of Acid Attack in Bangka Belitung to Undergo Surgery
Medical observations conducted by the team at Bhakti Timah Hospital (RSBT) in Pangkal Pinang have determined that Muhammad Rosidi will undergo surgery tomorrow, Thursday. Rosidi is an environmental activist who became a victim of an acid attack in Bangka Belitung.
The head of public relations at RSBT, Derry Afrian, stated that the medical team has scheduled Rosidi’s operation for Thursday, 9 April 2026. As of Wednesday, Rosidi will be admitted to the hospital and instructed to fast.
The operation falls into the category of major surgery, involving the removal of dead skin cells and cleaning of residual acid suspected to remain. The procedure will be performed directly by RSBT’s specialist surgeon, Dr. Hanno Ryanda, Derry told reporters on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
Derry explained that the medical treatment efforts for Rosidi were prepared by the team after receiving a report from the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) on Tuesday, 7 April 2026. “The LPSK team contacted us yesterday to inform us about this. Today, the individual was directed to the priority clinic for a series of examinations,” Derry said.
According to Derry, initial examinations of Rosidi’s wounds revealed several infections and dead skin tissue. This condition formed the basis for the medical team’s decision to perform surgery on Rosidi.
“The infected wound area is around 40 percent. If this is not removed and cleaned, it could lead to severe infection,” Derry said. “The victim seems to have thought that the burn wounds were similar to those from fire or hot water, so he only sought outpatient treatment. In reality, acid burns are far more dangerous if left untreated.”
He continued that the costs of Rosidi’s medical treatment will be covered by the LPSK. Meanwhile, the RSBT medical team is focused solely on treating the victim to ensure proper care and swift recovery of his wounds.
Separately, Rosidi admitted that he is ready to undergo debridement surgery and the recovery process because he is still experiencing pain in several wounds on his body.
“Some areas are still pus-filled. It’s very painful and stinging, so I have to take medication to relieve the pain. The wounds that have dried and blackened still feel itchy,” Rosidi said.
Rosidi was doused with acid when he was about to discuss matters with a colleague at a coffee stall in Bangka Belitung on 17 February 2026. He sustained burns to his hands, legs, and groin. Rosidi has frequently criticised illegal tin mining activities in Bangka Belitung.