Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesian authorities are pursuing multiple leads in the investigation of a brazen acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, a human rights organization. The attack, which occurred on Thursday evening, March 12th, 2026, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the safety of human rights defenders in Indonesia. Police have revealed details of the suspects’ escape route, including a reported attempt to evade capture by changing clothes during their flight. The investigation is being overseen with direct guidance from President Prabowo Subianto, underscoring the seriousness with which the government is treating the case.
The attack on Yunus, a prominent figure in advocating for victims of state-sponsored violence, occurred as he was walking on Jalan Salemba in Central Jakarta. He sustained burns to his face, neck, chest, back, and arms, and is currently receiving treatment at RSUP Nasional Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM) hospital. Doctors report that his condition is stable and not currently life-threatening, but acknowledge the possibility of reconstructive surgery to aid in the recovery of his vision. RSCM officials confirmed that Yunus was admitted on the night of March 13th and is undergoing comprehensive medical care.
Suspects’ Escape Route Revealed
According to Kombes Pol. Iman Imanuddin, Director of General Criminal Investigation at the Polda Metro Jaya (Jakarta Metropolitan Police), four suspects were involved in the attack, traveling on two motorcycles. Following the assault, the suspects split up, attempting to lose track of pursuing officers. CCTV footage and analysis of communication networks have been crucial in piecing together their movements. One motorcycle, carrying two suspects, reportedly traveled against traffic flow on Jalan Salemba towards Pasar Senen, then continued to Jalan Kramat Raya, Tugu Tani, and towards Stasiun Gondangdia, ultimately heading south into Jakarta Selatan (South Jakarta). Police detailed this route during a press conference on Tuesday, March 17th, 2026.
The second motorcycle, carrying the remaining two suspects, continued straight on Jalan Pramuka Sari 2, heading towards Matraman, Jatinegara, and ultimately onto Jalan Otto Iskandardinata in Jakarta Timur (East Jakarta). Significantly, investigators discovered that at least one of the suspects changed clothes during the escape, likely in an attempt to disguise their appearance. Analysis of communication data indicates the suspects dispersed further, with individuals heading towards Kalibata, Ragunan, and Bogor, a city located south of Jakarta.
Changing Clothes and Dispersal Tactics
The decision to change clothes suggests a level of pre-planning and a deliberate attempt to evade identification. This tactic, combined with the dispersal to multiple locations, indicates the suspects were aware of the severity of their actions and the potential for a thorough investigation. The use of two motorcycles also suggests an attempt to create confusion and make tracking more tricky. Police are currently analyzing CCTV footage from a wider area, as well as examining communication records, to identify the suspects and establish a motive for the attack.
Presidential Directive and Ongoing Investigation
The case has garnered significant attention at the highest levels of the Indonesian government. Kapolda Metro Jaya Irjen Asep Edi Suheri stated that the investigation will be conducted with full transparency and professionalism, in accordance with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto. Suheri emphasized that the police are committed to a thorough and accountable investigation, ensuring all stages of the process are conducted professionally and without speculation. This commitment to transparency is intended to reassure the public and maintain trust in the investigation.
The attack on Andrie Yunus has prompted renewed calls for greater protection of human rights defenders in Indonesia. KontraS has been a vocal critic of alleged human rights abuses by state security forces, and the organization has previously reported receiving threats. The incident raises concerns about a potential climate of intimidation aimed at silencing those who speak out against injustice. The Indonesian government has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, particularly those who are working to promote and protect human rights.
KontraS and Andrie Yunus’s Work
KontraS (Komisi untuk Orang Hilang dan Korban Tindak Kekerasan Negara – Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of State Violence) is a leading human rights organization in Indonesia, established in 1998. The organization focuses on investigating and advocating for victims of state-sponsored violence, including enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Andrie Yunus, as Deputy Coordinator, plays a key role in KontraS’s advocacy efforts and investigations. His work often involves documenting alleged abuses and providing support to victims and their families.
Prior to the attack, Yunus had been following a case involving alleged human rights violations, though details of the specific case have not been publicly released by authorities. Police confirmed that the suspects had been tracking Yunus from the offices of the Yayasan Lembaga Bantuan Hukum Indonesia (YLBHI – Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation) in Central Jakarta, and that he briefly stopped to refuel at a gas station on Cikini Raya before the attack. This suggests a deliberate targeting of Yunus, rather than a random act of violence.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The Polda Metro Jaya continues to actively pursue leads in the case, analyzing CCTV footage, communication records, and forensic evidence. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the suspects, but have indicated they are making progress in their investigation. The focus remains on apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the investigation unfolds. The public is encouraged to come forward with any information that may assist the police in their efforts.
As of today, March 17th, 2026, the investigation remains ongoing. The next scheduled update from the Polda Metro Jaya is anticipated on March 20th, 2026, where officials are expected to provide further details on the progress of the investigation and any potential breakthroughs. We will continue to follow this story closely and provide updates as they become available.
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