By: Cahya Putriningtyas )
The government has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring the serious handling of the acid attack case involving Andrie Yunus, an activist from the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence. The incident, which occurred in Central Jakarta, has not only drawn the attention of law enforcement authorities but has also received a firm response from the government as a sign of the state’s presence in guaranteeing justice for every citizen.
The incident occurred on Thursday night, March 12, 2026, when Andrie Yunus was riding a motorcycle in the Jalan Salemba I area toward Jalan Talang in Central Jakarta. Based on the chronology compiled from statements by KontraS, two perpetrators riding a motorcycle approached the victim from the opposite direction near Talang Bridge. The suspects were reportedly riding together on a scooter, and one of them threw a liquid suspected to be acid at the victim.
The attack caused Andrie Yunus to suffer serious injuries on several parts of his body, including his hands, face, chest, and eye area. The victim reportedly screamed in pain and lost control of his motorcycle before falling. Preliminary findings indicated that none of the victim’s belongings were taken during the incident, leading to the suspicion that the attack was a deliberate act of violence.
Police authorities immediately moved to handle the case. The investigation is being conducted by the Central Jakarta Metro Police with support from Polda Metro Jaya and the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police. The legal process began with a Model A police report, with a registration number issued by investigators. The case is being investigated as alleged aggravated assault under the applicable provisions of the Indonesian Criminal Code.
The Chief of the Indonesian National Police, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has given serious attention to the case and ensured that the investigation process is conducted professionally. Through the police ranks, he emphasized that all elements of the National Police will work to their fullest capacity to uncover the perpetrators behind the attack. Support from the regional police to the national criminal investigation unit demonstrates that the case is being handled in a coordinated manner to ensure an effective investigation.
Head of the Police Public Relations Division, Jhonny Edison Isir, stated that the police are committed to uncovering the case thoroughly. Authorities are working seriously to identify the perpetrators, including collecting evidence and questioning witnesses around the crime scene. The investigation also involves a comprehensive crime scene examination to ensure that every detail of the incident can be analyzed thoroughly.
The swift actions of the police have received support from the government. Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, emphasized that acts of violence against human rights activists are unacceptable. He believes that law enforcement authorities must act quickly so that both the perpetrators and the motives behind the incident can be revealed.
According to Pigai, an objective legal process is crucial so that the victim can obtain proper justice. Transparent case handling is also considered an important element in maintaining public trust in Indonesia’s legal system.
The government’s commitment to ensuring the full investigation of this case was also emphasized by Deputy Minister of Human Rights, Mugiyanto. He stated that accelerating the investigation is an important step in maintaining Indonesia’s credibility in protecting human rights. The government, through coordination with the police, has requested that the investigation be conducted quickly and thoroughly.
Mugiyanto also stressed that the government respects freedom of expression and the right of citizens to express opinions peacefully. This principle aligns with the country’s commitment reflected in the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights through Law No. 12 of 2005. Within this framework, protection for individuals or groups expressing criticism is part of the state’s responsibility.
Attention to the case has also come from the international community. The government believes that accelerating the disclosure of the case is important to prevent speculation that could affect Indonesia’s reputation in its commitment to protecting human rights globally.
In this context, the government considers transparency and certainty of information to be crucial factors. A swift and professional investigation is expected to provide clarity to the public while strengthening confidence in the state’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights.
In addition to ensuring that the legal process proceeds properly, the government is also paying attention to the victim’s condition. The state has ensured that the medical treatment and recovery costs of Andrie Yunus will be fully covered until his recovery process is completed. This measure forms part of the government’s responsibility to provide protection for victims of violence.
The government has also appreciated public participation in assisting the investigation process, including through surveillance camera recordings that may serve as important clues for investigators. Nevertheless, the public is urged to wait for official investigation results from law enforcement authorities so that the information circulating remains accurate and accountable.
The acid attack against Andrie Yunus has become a test of Indonesia’s commitment to law enforcement and human rights protection. With full support from the government and swift action by the police, the investigation process is expected to reveal both the perpetrators and the motives behind the incident.
) Public Policy and Human Rights Issues Observer