President Orders Full Investigation into Acid Attack on Indonesian Activist
Jakarta – Indonesian National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has affirmed a commitment to thoroughly investigate the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, a human rights advocacy group. The pledge comes following a direct order from President Prabowo Subianto to pursue a complete and transparent investigation into the assault, which has sparked widespread condemnation across the country. The attack underscores ongoing concerns about threats faced by human rights defenders in Indonesia and the need for robust police reform.
General Sigit, speaking while overseeing traffic flow at Surabaya Gubeng Station in East Java on Sunday, March 15, 2026, stated that the investigation will prioritize scientific crime investigation methods. “Regarding the developments in the attack on the activist, I have received a direct order from Mr. President to carry out a complete investigation professionally and transparently,” he told reporters. He emphasized that information gathering is already underway, with teams deployed to collect and analyze evidence. The investigation is being coordinated between the National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri) and the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya).
Details of the Attack and Initial Response
The attack on Andrie Yunus occurred on Thursday, March 12, 2026, on Jalan Salemba in Central Jakarta. Two unidentified men on a motorcycle reportedly threw acid at Yunus, causing burns covering approximately 24 percent of his body. He is currently receiving medical treatment. The brazen nature of the attack, carried out in a public area, has heightened anxieties among civil society organizations and raised questions about the safety of activists in Indonesia. The incident has prompted calls for swift action from law enforcement and a commitment to protecting those working to defend human rights.
The attack has drawn criticism from prominent figures, including former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Novel Baswedan and former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, both of whom visited Yunus in the hospital to express their support. Their involvement highlights the gravity of the situation and the broad concern it has generated within Indonesian society. Baswedan, himself a victim of a violent attack in 2017, has been a vocal advocate for police reform and accountability.
Calls for Police Reform and Accountability
The incident has reignited debate surrounding the need for comprehensive police reform in Indonesia. Critics argue that a lack of accountability and systemic issues within the police force contribute to a climate of impunity, emboldening perpetrators of violence and undermining public trust. Organizations like KontraS have long documented instances of police misconduct and called for greater transparency and oversight. The YLBHI (Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation) has specifically challenged the police to solve this case, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and impartial investigation. YLBHI’s challenge underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for concrete action.
The Role of KontraS and Human Rights Advocacy in Indonesia
KontraS (Komisi untuk Orang Hilang dan Korban Tindak Kekerasan – Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence) is a leading human rights organization in Indonesia, dedicated to investigating and advocating for victims of state-sponsored violence and human rights abuses. Founded in 1998, KontraS has played a crucial role in documenting abuses, providing legal assistance to victims, and advocating for policy changes to prevent future violations. The organization’s function often focuses on sensitive issues, including cases of extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances, making its staff vulnerable to threats and intimidation. Andrie Yunus, as Deputy Coordinator, is a key figure in KontraS’s efforts to promote accountability and justice for victims of human rights violations.
The attack on Yunus is not an isolated incident. Human rights defenders in Indonesia have faced increasing threats in recent years, including surveillance, harassment, and violence. These threats often stem from their work investigating sensitive cases involving powerful actors, including state security forces and corporations. The Indonesian government has a responsibility to protect human rights defenders and ensure that they can carry out their work without fear of reprisal. International human rights organizations have as well called on the Indonesian authorities to investigate the attack on Yunus and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Presidential Directive and Investigative Steps
President Prabowo Subianto’s direct order to the National Police Chief demonstrates the seriousness with which the government is treating this case. The directive signals a commitment to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation, free from political interference. General Sigit Prabowo has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally and transparently, utilizing scientific crime investigation techniques. This includes meticulous evidence collection, forensic analysis, and thorough interviews with witnesses. The coordination between Mabes Polri and Polda Metro Jaya is intended to streamline the investigation and ensure a coordinated response.
While details of the investigation remain limited at this stage, authorities have indicated that they are pursuing all available leads. This includes reviewing CCTV footage from the area, interviewing potential witnesses, and analyzing forensic evidence collected from the scene. The police have not yet released information about potential suspects or motives, but they have vowed to keep the public informed of any significant developments. The focus on “Scientific Crime Investigation” suggests a commitment to evidence-based policing and a rejection of reliance on unsubstantiated claims or political pressure.
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The Indonesian government faces increasing pressure to address concerns about human rights and police accountability. The attack on Andrie Yunus serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain and the urgent need for comprehensive reform. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by human rights organizations, both domestically and internationally, as a test of the government’s commitment to protecting human rights defenders and upholding the rule of law.
As the investigation progresses, authorities have promised to provide regular updates to the public. The next key development is expected to be the release of preliminary findings from the forensic analysis of evidence collected at the scene. The public is encouraged to share any information that may assist the investigation with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.