TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Agrarian Reform Consortium (KPA) condemns the acid attack on Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, Andrie Yunus. KPA Secretary General Dewi Kartika stated that the attack was not a usual criminal act.
She believes the assault is a form of political terror that threatens the safety of human rights defenders and narrows the space for democracy in Indonesia.
"The goal is to silence the critical voices of civil society who have consistently sought improvement for Indonesia," Dewi said in a statement on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
According to her, Andrie is a critical activist who bravely speaks the truth. For example, Andrie, along with the Civil Society Coalition, criticized the opaque discussion of the TNI Law revision. Andrie has also been a member of the Fact Finding Commission (KPF) for the August 2025 demonstrations and riots over the past 5 months.
Dewi stated that the attack on Andrie aims to silence all activists and anyone fighting for their rights. She emphasized that silencing activists is equivalent to the violence experienced by farmers, fishermen, indigenous peoples, and various community members.
"They are fighting for their rights to land, living areas, and livelihoods," she said.
KPA recorded that in 2025, 736 people became victims of violence while fighting for their constitutionally guaranteed rights. Out of that number, 1 person died, 19 were shot, 404 were criminalized, and 312 were assaulted.
According to Dewi, the attack on Andrie Yunus reflects the totalitarian face of the current government regime. The practice of terror, intimidation, and violence continues to occur and is being tolerated by the State, despite the State's obligation to protect human rights and ensure the safety of all citizens.
Dewi stated that this attack is a blow to the civil society movement. However, it also serves as a reminder that the struggle to defend human rights and people's sovereignty must not stop due to intimidation and violence. "People's solidarity is the main strength to counter repression and build a fairer future democracy," she said.
Dewi also urged the government to thoroughly investigate the case of the acid attack on Andrie Yunus. The authorities must capture and prosecute all those behind the attack. KPA also demands periodic and open reporting on the progress of the case.
KPA also calls for real and sustainable protection for Andrie Yunus and all defenders of people's rights facing threats, intimidation, and violence. They also call for comprehensive recovery for the victims, including medical services, physical and psychological rehabilitation, and compensation for all material and immaterial losses.
Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid while on Salemba I-Talang Street, Central Jakarta on Thursday night, March 12, 2026. Andrie was attacked with a dangerous solution by two unidentified individuals riding a motorcycle.
The attackers approached Andrie from the opposite direction and poured the acid solution on the front of his body.
After being attacked with acid, Andrie collapsed on the road, screaming in pain. The coordinator of KontraS, Dimas Bagus Arya, stated that the perpetrators poured acid on Andrie's right side, including his eyes, face, chest, and hands. Some of the victim's clothes also melted due to the acid.
Minister of Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Coordination Yusril Ihza Mahendra suspects that the attack on Andrie Yunus was organized. Yusril stated that the pattern of the attack indicates organized planning, and therefore law enforcement should not end with the perpetrators on the ground.
"The pattern of the attack appears to be planned and organized, so the disclosure of this event should not stop at the level of the perpetrators, but must uncover the intellectual authors behind it," Yusril said in a written statement in Jakarta on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Therefore, Yusril has urged law enforcement agencies, especially the Indonesian National Police, to thoroughly investigate the case. Not only to find the perpetrators and their motives but also to uncover who is behind the event.
Read: Andrie Yunus Case a Test for Indonesia at UN Human Rights Council
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