Witness and Victim Protection Commission Shields Activist Andrie Yunus and Family in Caustic Acid Attack Case
The Witness and Victim Protection Commission (LPSK) has formally received and approved a protection request for Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), in the caustic acid attack case.
Beyond Andrie, the LPSK has extended protection to witness RF and members of Andrie’s family. The protection decision was made at the LPSK Leadership Council Session on Monday, 16 March 2026.
LPSK Chairman Achmadi stated that the protection was granted to ensure their safety and enable the legal process to proceed without pressure.
“We have decided to provide protection to AY as a victim through physical protection via personal security detail, facilitation of medical assistance, and fulfilment of procedural rights during the legal proceedings. Within this decision, the LPSK has also provided assistance and/or protection to the victim’s family and protection to the related witness,” Achmadi said in a statement on Tuesday (17/3).
Previously, the LPSK had provided emergency protection to AY from 13 to 16 March 2026, offering medical assistance and physical protection through personal security at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM).
With the approval of the protection request, the victim, witness, and victim’s family now receive comprehensive protection programmes from the LPSK.
Protection provided to Andrie as a victim includes physical security through personal security detail, fulfilment of procedural rights in judicial proceedings, and medical assistance comprising regular medical care.
The witness receives protection in the form of procedural rights fulfilment to ensure the witness can provide testimony safely throughout the legal proceedings.
Family members of the victim receive protection comprising procedural rights fulfilment, temporary living expenses assistance, and reimbursement for temporary accommodation or safe house provisions.
The protection programme is granted for a six-month period from the date of signing the protection statement and/or agreement, and may be extended or adjusted according to need and case development progress.
The LPSK emphasised that this protection represents the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety and fulfilment of rights for witnesses and victims during legal proceedings.
Achmadi described the caustic acid attack case as a serious incident that must be thoroughly investigated and processed transparently in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
For this reason, witnesses and victims must receive adequate protection throughout the process, including human rights defenders, whether individual, collective, or organisational, who play a role in efforts to respect, protect, and fulfil human rights across various sectors and issues.
Achmadi strongly condemned the caustic acid attack against AY, describing it as a cruel, inhuman, and degrading act that violates human rights principles and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which Indonesia ratified through Law No. 5 of 1998.
“The LPSK continues to coordinate intensively with law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions to ensure optimal protection for the victim, witness, and victim’s family whilst supporting effective case handling,” he stated.
Achmadi also appealed to anyone with knowledge or important information regarding the incident to come forward without hesitation during investigation and prosecution procedures.
Previously, Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), was attacked with caustic acid in central Jakarta on the evening of Thursday, 12 March 2026.
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 Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office, at approximately 23:00 WIB.
Following the incident, Andrie was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment. Medical examination revealed he sustained burns covering 24 percent of his body.
The caustic acid attack has been elevated to investigation stage. Based on case assessment findings, police identified criminal elements as stipulated in Article 467(2) and/or Article 468(1) of the Criminal Code.
From preliminary investigation results, police suspect four perpetrators were involved in the attack. Currently, police continue to gather evidence and await forensic laboratory testing results for evidence already discovered.