Yusril Demands Police Arrest Mastermind Behind Acid Attack on KontraS Activist, Not Just Perpetrator
JAKARTA — Law, Human Rights and Immigration Coordinating Minister (Kumham Imipas) Yusril Ihza Mahendra has called on Polri (the National Police) to uncover the intellectual masterminds behind the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus.
“I urge law enforcement officials, particularly Polri, to ensure the investigation extends fully to the intellectual actors, not merely the perpetrators of the attack in the field,” Yusril told Kompas.com on Friday evening, 13 March 2026.
Yusril stated that the pattern of the attack on Andrie shows indications of organised planning. “I have already coordinated with the Metro Jaya Regional Police Chief, who is handling this case together with Polri’s Criminal Investigation Unit. They are currently conducting a deeper investigation, so they are unable to disclose anything publicly at this stage,” Yusril added.
He reminded that human rights activists work in the interest of the people and the nation, given that human rights enforcement and democracy are constitutional mandates. In a democratic state, all parties must uphold mutual respect for differences of opinion.
He stressed that violence against democracy and human rights activists cannot be justified under any circumstances. “In democracy, everyone should uphold the principle of respecting differences and diversity because all act for the common good, not personal interest,” Yusril explained.
Yusril also emphasised that President Prabowo Subianto has a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. The government will never tolerate violence in any form, whether against activists or anyone else, even if they disagree with or oppose the government.
“As you can see, the President has also invited those who frequently disagree with the government to engage in open dialogue at the Palace. The President will not tolerate violence against activists or anyone else,” Yusril added.
Previously, KontraS Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus was doused with acid by an unknown individual on Thursday evening, 12 March 2026. According to Dimas Bagus Arya, Coordinator of KontraS’s Working Board, the incident occurred at 23.37 Western Indonesia Time (WIB) as Andrie Yunus was riding a motorcycle on Jalan Salemba I-Talang, Senen, Central Jakarta.