Widespread Condemnation Following Acid Attack on KontraS Activist
Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), suffered 24 percent burns on his body following an acid attack by unknown assailants. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with police being urged to swiftly investigate the case.
Dimas Bagus Arya, Coordinator of KontraS’s Board of Workers, explained that the alleged acid attack on Andrie Yunus occurred at 23:00 Western Indonesian Time on Thursday, 12 March. He stated that Andrie was conducting a podcast at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia”.
“Based on the information we have gathered, we believe this acid attack is an attempt to silence critical voices in society, particularly human rights defenders, as referenced in Law Number 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, Article 66 of Law Number 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, and Regulation of the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission Number 5 of 2015 on Procedures for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders,” explained Dimas.
Andrie Yunus has been hospitalised for medical treatment. National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has given special attention to the investigation of the alleged acid attack on Andrie Yunus.
Yusril: Attack on Democracy
Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections, stated that the acid attack on Andrie Yunus constitutes an assault on the values of democracy and human rights protection in Indonesia. According to him, human rights activists work for the interests of the people and the nation.
“The acid attack on Andrie Yunus from KontraS is an attack on democracy itself. Human rights activists work for the interests of the people and the nation, as the protection of human rights and democracy is a constitutional mandate,” Yusril said in a statement on Friday, 13 March.
Yusril stated that all parties must uphold the principle of respecting differing viewpoints. He emphasised that violence against democracy and human rights activists cannot be justified under any circumstances.
“Attacking democracy and human rights activists, even if one disagrees with them, cannot be justified. In democracy, everyone should adhere to the principle of respecting differences and diversity because all work for the common interest, not for personal gain,” he said.
Yusril asked law enforcement officials, particularly the National Police, not only to identify the field operatives but also to uncover who orchestrated the incident. He added that he had coordinated directly with police authorities regarding the handling of the case and emphasised that President Prabowo Subianto has a strong commitment to upholding law, democracy, and human rights.
Pigai: Thuggery Cannot Be Tolerated
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai condemned the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, asserting that the state will not tolerate criminal intimidation tactics. “We cannot allow thuggery to exist in this country. This is a nation of peace and security, and violence, particularly acid attacks on Indonesian citizens, must never occur,” Pigai said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta.
He emphasised that the government is deeply concerned about the incident and called on police to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack on Andrie.
“We are experiencing a surplus of democracy, but there must be no violence against anyone, including activists and civil society. This nation is great because of civil society communities. They serve as checks and balances against all aspects of national and state life,” he said.
“Therefore, on behalf of the government, I am distressed by this incident and it must never happen again,” he continued.
Law enforcement officials must prioritise justice for the victim and his family. “I urge the police to conduct a thorough investigation so that the victim and his family receive justice,” he said.
Parliament Commission III Seeks Protection for Victim, Fears Further Attacks
Habiburokhman, Chairman of Commission III of the People’s Consultative Assembly, also condemned the acid attack. He telephoned police not only to demand a thorough investigation but also to ensure the victim receives protection.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, 14 March, Habiburokhman emphasised that violence against citizens cannot be tolerated and stressed the importance of respecting different viewpoints.
“Andrie Yunus must receive maximum protection to ensure his safety from any follow-up attacks,” he added.
Habiburokhman stated that Commission III will monitor the case closely and requested that the state cover all of Andrie’s medical costs.
“Commission III will ensure continued oversight of this case so that the investigation proceeds swiftly and professionally. We urge the state to fully cover the best medical treatment so that he can recover quickly,” he explained.
Dahnil Anzar: Strong Condemnation
Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, condemned the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus and demanded that the perpetrators and instigators be swiftly apprehended.
“I strongly condemn whoever perpetrated this acid attack on the KontraS activist. There is no place for such terror perpetrators,” Dahnil told journalists on Saturday, 14 March.
Daniel urged police to rapidly resolve the case, wanting both the perpetrators and the mastermind behind the attack exposed. The politician from the Gerindra party believed the perpetrators were attempting to provoke perceptions of an unstable domestic situation.
“The perpetrators are likely seeking to provoke the emergence of an unstable domestic situation, with mutual suspicion and accusations amidst an uncertain global environment,” he concluded.