Yusril Calls for Investigation into Intellectual Architects of Attack on Human Rights Activist

Indonesia’s Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that the acid attack against Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (Kontras), represents an assault on democratic values and the enforcement of human rights in Indonesia.

“The acid attack against 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 enforcement of human rights and democracy is a constitutional mandate,” Yusril said in a written statement in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026.

According to Yusril, in a democratic state every party must uphold mutual respect for 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 we disagree with them, cannot be justified. In democracy, everyone should adhere to the principle of respecting differences and diversity because all act for the common good, not for personal interests,” he said.

Yusril also called on law enforcement, particularly the National Police (Polri), to investigate the case thoroughly. Not only to identify perpetrators and motives, but also to uncover who orchestrated the incident.

“I call on law enforcement, particularly Polri, to ensure thorough investigation all the way to the intellectual architects, not just the perpetrators who carried out the attack in the field,” he said.

The National Commission on Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia (Komnas HAM) condemned the acid attack against Andrie Yunus by unknown persons.

The attack occurred shortly after Andrie Yunus completed recording a podcast at the offices of the Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) titled “Remilitarisation and Judicial Review in Indonesia” which concluded on Thursday, 12 March 2026 at approximately 23.00 Western Indonesian Time. As a result of the attack, Andrie sustained burns covering 24 per cent of his body, particularly on both hands, face, chest and eye areas.

Komnas HAM Chairperson Anis Hidayah stated that the attack constitutes a violation of the Right to Security guaranteed under Article 28G of the 1945 Indonesian Constitution and Articles 28-35 of Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights. These articles affirm that every person has the right to be protected physically and psychologically, including protection of personal security, family, honour, dignity and property.

“Andrie Yunus’s activities as a member of Kontras and the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD), actively taking a critical stance in human rights defence work, make the attack he received strongly suspected to be part of an attack directed against Human Rights Defenders,” said Anis in her official statement on 13 March 2026.

Anis stated that Komnas HAM directly visited the victim’s family accompanying Andrie at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) in Central Jakarta. Komnas HAM also urged police to conduct investigation and prosecution independently, quickly, transparently and accountably.

Additionally, Komnas HAM requested the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) to provide protection access to victims and those connected with the attack if required.