AI-Generated Photo at Center of Jakarta Acid Attack Case

Jakarta – Police have confirmed that a photo circulating on social media purporting to show the perpetrator of an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, was created using artificial intelligence (AI). The confirmation came during a press conference held by Polda Metro Jaya on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Investigation and Concerns Over Misinformation

The Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD), representing Andrie Yunus, is urging police to trace the origin of the manipulated image. “At the Polda Metro Jaya press conference, even the Dirkrimum emphasized that the AI photo could have been made by the perpetrator or their team to obscure information,” stated Erlangga Julio, a representative of TAUD. “We also encourage the police to trace such conclusions to the first party who manipulated the photo and apply it as additional evidence to find the perpetrator.”

Legal team members have stated that the circulating photos cannot be used as evidence due to their AI-generated nature. Afif Abdul Qoyim, another member of the legal team, emphasized the need to disregard potentially misleading visuals. “So we place aside posters, pictures, videos that may not come from us or from organizations that we often convey to the public,” he said.

Demands for Thorough Investigation

The legal team has issued five demands regarding the handling of the case:

1. The President of the Republic of Indonesia should form an independent investigation team, consulting with victims’ companions and families to ensure objectivity and accountability.
2. The Head of the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia should order Polda Metro Jaya and the Central Jakarta Metro Police to transparently and accountably investigate the attempted murder.
3. The Attorney General should order a research prosecutor to coordinate investigators and public prosecutors to accommodate the construction of relevant criminal code articles.
4. The National Human Rights Commission should monitor the case and recommend an investigation into attacks on human rights defenders.
5. The Witness and Victim Protection Agency should ensure the safety and privacy of the victim’s family, witnesses, and companions.

Warning Against Spreading Hoax Images

Ketua Komisi III DPR RI, Habiburokhman, has warned the public against sharing the AI-generated photo, as it has been confirmed as a hoax by Polda Metro Jaya Tribunnews.

Police are continuing their investigation into the acid attack and the dissemination of the fabricated image. Instagram and Instagram have reported on the case.

YouTube has also covered the police’s confirmation that the viral photo is an AI fabrication.