Acid Attack on Indonesian Rights Defender Tests Prabowo Administration

Jakarta, Indonesia – An acid attack on prominent human rights activist Andrie Yunus has sparked outrage and raised concerns about a resurgence of authoritarian tactics in Indonesia, testing the commitment of President Prabowo Subianto to democratic principles. The attack, which occurred on March 12, 2026, left Yunus with burns covering 24 percent of his body.

A History of Advocacy and Rising Concerns

For over a decade, Andrie Yunus has been a vocal advocate for human rights in Indonesia, working as the deputy coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS). In the lead-up to the attack, Yunus had expressed growing concerns about the increasing influence of the military under President Prabowo, particularly regarding legislative changes that critics fear could revert the country to the restrictive practices of the “New Order” era under former President Suharto. He interrupted a closed-door meeting in March 2025 concerning reforms that would allow military personnel to seize on a wider range of government roles.

The Attack and Initial Response

The acid attack occurred as Yunus was riding his motorbike in Central Jakarta. Two unidentified individuals on a scooter threw acid at him, causing severe burns. The Advocacy Team for Democracy has characterized the attack as an “attempted premeditated murder.”

President Prabowo swiftly condemned the attack, calling it “terrorism” and a “barbaric act.” He vowed a thorough investigation to identify not only the perpetrators but also those who ordered and financed the assault, stating, “There will be no impunity, even if state personnel are involved.” Tempo.co The Hindu

Arrests and Conflicting Reports

Within days of the attack, Indonesian Military Police announced the arrest of four suspects identified as members of the military’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS). However, the national police indicated they were investigating two suspects, leading to questions about coordination between the agencies. IDN Times

A Pattern of Intimidation and Attacks

The attack on Yunus is not an isolated incident. Amnesty International Indonesia recorded 283 attacks against activists, influencers, and journalists in 2025, including intimidation, arrests, digital assaults, and attempted murder. Examples include a Greenpeace campaigner receiving a threatening package containing a dead chicken and Tempo journalists receiving severed animal parts in connection with their reporting on military reforms. The Hindu

Concerns Over Political Climate and Impunity

Human rights organizations express concern that the current political climate under President Prabowo is contributing to the attacks and a broader crackdown on dissent. Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, highlighted the state’s repeated failure to fully investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks on activists. He also noted President Prabowo’s recent rhetoric labeling critics as “not patriotic” and suggesting they would be “disciplined.” The Hindu

Calls for an Independent Investigation

Civil society groups are urging the formation of an independent fact-finding team, free from political influence, to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the attack and to identify all those responsible, including the intellectual authors. They argue that solving the case is crucial not only for achieving justice for Yunus but also for protecting Indonesian democracy and civil society. IDN Times