Acid Attack on Indonesian Human Rights Defender Andrie Yunus Sparks Outcry
A brutal acid attack targeting Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), has ignited widespread concern over the safety of civil society actors in Indonesia. The attack, which occurred on the evening of March 12, 2026, has prompted calls for a thorough investigation and raised fears about increasing threats to human rights defenders in the country.
A Prominent Voice in Human Rights Advocacy
Andrie Yunus is a well-known human rights defender and a leading figure within KontraS, an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of victims of violence and the disappeared. He earned his Bachelor of Laws from the Jentera Law School Indonesia (STHI) in Jakarta in 2020, specializing in Constitutional Law and Legal Studies. Tempo.co reports that prior to the attack, Yunus was actively engaged in advocacy work, including attending discussions on an investigative report into the August 2025 protests and recording a podcast titled “Remilitarization and Judicial Review in Indonesia” at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI).
Given his consistent criticism of sensitive state policies, including the revision of the Indonesian military law, observers suspect the attack may have been intended to silence dissenting voices within civil society. BBC Indonesia notes that the attack has been met with concern from the UN Human Rights Council.
A Coordinated and Deliberate Assault
According to reports, the attack appears to have been premeditated and carefully executed. In the days leading up to the incident, Andrie Yunus reportedly received multiple suspicious calls from unknown numbers, believed to be intimidation attempts. On March 12, 2026, after leaving the YLBHI office and stopping for fuel, Yunus was approached by two men on a motorcycle while driving against traffic. The assailants threw a corrosive liquid directly at him, striking his face, eyes, chest, and hands.
The chemical burns were severe enough to partially melt his clothing. Witnesses reported hearing his screams, while one individual allegedly asked whether he was affiliated with KontraS or a legal aid group. The attackers fled toward Salemba Raya Street, leaving behind a stainless steel cup believed to have been used in the attack.
Signs of a Professional Operation
Police investigations suggest the assault was not random but part of a coordinated operation involving at least four suspects using two motorcycles. Analysis of footage from 86 CCTV cameras indicates that the perpetrators had tracked Andrie Yunus from South Jakarta and positioned themselves near a gas station in Cikini before carrying out the attack. Members of the Advocacy Team for Democracy, along with former anti-corruption investigator Novel Baswedan, have pointed to indications of professional execution, including the leverage of coded signals and a structured escape plan.
Medical Condition and State Response
Andrie Yunus is currently undergoing intensive treatment at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital (RSCM), attended by a team of six medical specialists. He sustained chemical burns covering approximately 24 percent of his body and is scheduled to undergo amniotic membrane graft surgery to treat severe eye injuries. As of March 17, 2026, the government has confirmed that all medical expenses will be fully covered by the state, following a direct order from President Prabowo Subianto.
President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the National Police Chief to prioritize the case and ensure a transparent investigation. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi reiterated the President’s position, stating that the investigation must be conducted “objectively, transparently, and as swiftly as possible.”
A Broader Pattern: Pressures on Civil Society
The attack adds to a troubling pattern of violence and intimidation targeting activists and journalists across Indonesia between 2025 and early 2026. The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and the Press Legal Aid Institute (LBH Pers) recorded between 89 and 96 cases of violence against journalists, affecting at least 146 victims. Physical assaults accounted for 30 cases, while digital attacks made up 29 cases. 351 cases of criminalization under the Electronic Information and Transactions (UU ITE) Law and 907 cyberattacks were documented, along with 187 cases involving violations of personal security rights handled by the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI).
The attack on Andrie Yunus represents a serious challenge to constitutional protections guaranteeing public participation in human rights advocacy. KontraS has called on authorities to pursue charges under Article 459 of the fresh Criminal Code (KUHP) on premeditated murder. Without decisive legal action, analysts warn that Indonesia risks further erosion of civic space and democratic safeguards.