News Summary:
- Prabowo Subianto has ordered authorities to thoroughly investigate the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus.
- Andrie Yunus sustained serious burns, covering 24 percent of his body, after being doused with acid.
- KontraS Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya believes this assault constitutes a form of intimidation against activists.
Teknowarta – In a climate of escalating concerns over the safety of activists and human rights defenders, a violent incident has once again shaken the public sphere. An attack on a figure known for his vocal advocacy for justice has sparked a swift and unequivocal response from the government, reaching even the highest echelons of state leadership.
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has reportedly issued firm instructions for the acid attack on a KontraS activist to be investigated comprehensively and without delay.
Through Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, it was conveyed that the President demands an objective, transparent, and swift legal process. “As stated by the National Police Chief, the President has ordered a swift, objective, and open investigation,” Prasetyo stated following a coordination meeting at the Ministry of Defense in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
This statement underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that this act of violence does not pass without thorough accountability.
Beyond the directive to investigate, the Presidential Palace has also expressed deep concern over the incident affecting Andrie Yunus, who serves as Deputy Coordinator for the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS). “Yes, of course, we are very concerned about that incident,” Prasetyo remarked.
A thorough investigation is deemed crucial not only to secure justice for the victim but also to instill a sense of security within the broader community.
The acid attack occurred on the evening of Thursday, March 12, 2026. At the time, Andrie Yunus had just finished recording a podcast at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation. The podcast, which focused on the theme of “Remilitarization and Judicial Review in Indonesia,” concluded around 11:00 PM Western Indonesian Time (WIB). Shortly thereafter, he was attacked by an unknown assailant.
As a result of the assault, Andrie suffered severe burns and required immediate medical treatment at a hospital. Examinations revealed that his injuries covered approximately 24 percent of his body.
Dimas Bagus Arya, Coordinator of KontraS, asserts that this attack is not merely an ordinary criminal act but a deliberate form of intimidation against freedom of expression. “This acid attack is an attempt to silence critical voices in society, especially those of human rights defenders,” he declared.
This statement reinforces growing fears that violence against activists remains a tangible threat in the country.
Furthermore, President Prabowo Subianto is reported to have issued direct instructions to the National Police Chief, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, to handle this case with utmost professionalism. The President emphasized that the investigation must be conducted transparently and prioritize a scientific crime investigation approach, ensuring that the legal process is accurate and accountable.
This case has garnered widespread attention, not only due to the severity of the violence but also because it involves a prominent activist who has actively advocated for human rights issues. The public now awaits concrete steps from law enforcement in identifying the perpetrators and uncovering the motive behind the heinous attack.
Under an increasingly intense spotlight, the investigation into this case is not just about securing justice for the victim; it serves as a critical test of the state’s commitment to protecting civil liberties and guaranteeing safety for all its citizens.
***
(TribunTrends/Kompas)