TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (INFID) has strongly condemned the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), calling it a serious threat to democracy and human rights advocacy in Indonesia.
INFID Executive Director Siti Khoirun Nikmah said the assault was not an ordinary criminal act, but a deliberate attempt to silence critical voices and intimidate human rights defenders.
“This was not a robbery, as none of the victim’s belongings were taken. It is strongly suspected that the attack was intended as intimidation related to the victim’s human rights work,” Siti said in a written statement on March 13, 2026.
She said INFID believes the attack reflects a broader pattern of intimidation against human rights defenders in Indonesia.
According to Siti, Andrie had previously faced a series of threats and intimidation following the “Fairmont Raid” protest staged by a civil society coalition against a closed-door and secretive meeting on revisions to the Indonesian Military (TNI) Law in March 2025, as well as during several public demonstrations in August 2025.
The latest attack took place on Thursday night, March 12, at around 11:37 p.m. local time on Jalan Salemba I Talang in Central Jakarta. Andrie was allegedly attacked by two unidentified assailants riding a scooter while on his way home after recording a podcast at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office titled “Remilitarization and Judicial Review of the TNI Law.”
As a result of the attack, Andrie suffered burns over 24 percent of his body, including his face, chest, both hands, and eyes. He is currently receiving intensive treatment at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) and is scheduled to undergo amniotic membrane graft surgery on his eyes.
Siti stressed that, as a human rights defender, Andrie is entitled to state protection under Article 28G of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution and Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights.
INFID Urges Full Investigation and State Protection
INFID, together with other civil society groups, called on law enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate both the direct perpetrators and any masterminds behind the attack. Siti also urged police to conduct a transparent investigation by examining all evidence at the scene, including CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
The civil society coalition further demanded stronger state protection for human rights defenders, noting that such safeguards are mandated under Law No. 39 of 1999 and National Human Rights Commission Regulation No. 5 of 2015. Both regulations require the state to ensure the safety of those working to promote and protect human rights.
“INFID also calls for the application of attempted premeditated murder charges. Given the potentially fatal impact of acid, authorities should prosecute the perpetrators under the attempted premeditated murder provision,” Siti said.
INFID said it stands in solidarity with KontraS and other civil society groups to ensure that violence does not silence the truth.
“We will continue to monitor this case until Andrie Yunus receives full justice,” she said.
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