Yusril: Acid Attack on Kontras Activist Was Planned and Organised
JAKARTA — The government has urged the National Police (Polri) to conduct a transparent investigation into an acid attack against Kontras activist Andrie Yunus. Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Penitentiaries (Menko Kumham Imipas) Yusril Ihza Mahendra stressed that the attack damages democracy and the human rights of citizens.
“I am requesting law enforcement officials, particularly the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia, to investigate the case,” Yusril said in a press statement received by Republika on Friday, 13 March 2026.
Yusril asked Polri not only to apprehend the perpetrators of the acid attack. The police investigation and prosecution must also uncover who orchestrated the attack, including revealing what motive lay behind the acid attack targeting Andrie Yunus.
“I am requesting law enforcement officials, particularly Polri, to ensure a thorough investigation extending to the intellectual actors and their motives, not merely the perpetrators in the field,” Yusril said.
According to Yusril, based on the timeline of the attack provided by several supporting parties and footage of the incident circulating, the acid attack on Andrie Yunus appeared to be planned. For this reason, Yusril believed the police must also investigate the motive and primary actors behind the attack.
“The pattern of attack appears to be planned and organised, so the revelation of this incident must not stop at the level of executors, but must also uncover the intellectual actors behind the attack,” Yusril said.
As Menko Kumham Imipas, Yusril stated he would give attention to the case. He has already communicated directly with the Metro Jaya Regional Police and the Polri Criminal Investigation Directorate to ensure the handling of the acid attack case.
Polri, he said, must be capable of investigating the case. He also reminded the police to be open and objective in their investigation.
Andrie Yunus is deputy coordinator of Kontras. On Thursday, 12 March 2026 evening, he was attacked with acid. The incident occurred after he returned from recording a podcast at the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute Foundation office (YLBHI) in Central Jakarta.
According to CCTV footage recording the incident, the acid attack was carried out by two individuals using a motorcycle. Andrie Yunus sustained 24 per cent burn injuries across his body. The acid affected his right and left hands, face, chest area, and eyes.