Jakarta Police Say AI-Generated Image Misleading in Acid Attack on KontraS Activist

Jakarta – Indonesian police have stated that a CCTV image circulating on social media purporting to show the perpetrators of an acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus is the result of artificial intelligence (AI) and is intended to mislead the investigation. The statement was made by Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya, on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Details of the Investigation

According to Hermanto, the image, which was shared widely on social media, was a screenshot of a CCTV recording allegedly showing two individuals involved in the attack. However, police believe the image was artificially created.

“We believe that it is the result of AI, and this may also be suspected to mislead the investigation process,” Hermanto said in a statement. Tempo.co reports.

Call for Public Cooperation

The police are urging the public to exercise caution when sharing information on social media and to avoid spreading content that could hinder the investigation. Hermanto emphasized the importance of allowing the police to focus on the case without interference from deliberately misleading information.

“We hope that the public will also be wise so that this investigation is focused and not disturbed, not interfered with by things that are deliberately designed to mislead,” he stated.

Acid Attack on Andrie Yunus

Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), was attacked with acid on Thursday evening, March 12, 2026, after a podcast recording at the Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office in Jakarta. He sustained burns covering 24 percent of his body, including injuries to his hands, face, chest, and eyes, and underwent eye surgery as a result.

Prior to the attack, Yunus had received several calls from unknown numbers. Authorities suspect the attack was organized.

Police Response

Hermanto requested that the public allow investigators the necessary space and time to complete their investigation and apprehend the perpetrators. “We also question all members of the public to supply investigators space and time, so that the handling of this investigation is complete and we can pursue the perpetrators who sprinkled dangerous liquids on activists,” he added.