Prabowo Demands Thorough Investigation of Acid Attack on Kontras Official Andrie Yunus

JAKARTA – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a full investigation into the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), calling the act a serious crime akin to terrorism. The directive came during a discussion with journalists and public figures, according to a statement released by the State Secretariat on Thursday.

“This is terrorism. This is a barbaric act. We must pursue it. We must investigate it. We must investigate it!” Prabowo stated, emphasizing the gravity of the assault.

The President stressed that the investigation should not stop with the individuals who carried out the attack, but must extend to identifying those who ordered and financed it. “Who ordered it, who paid for it,” he demanded.

Prabowo affirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the law without exception, even if the perpetrators are found to be affiliated with state institutions. “Of course (if it’s from within the state apparatus). There will be no (impunity)! I guarantee it!” he said, adding, “I wish to enforce the law. I want an Indonesia that is civilized. Such actions must not be allowed.”

The attack on Yunus occurred on the evening of March 12, 2026, in the Senen area of Central Jakarta. He sustained burns to his face, eyes, chest, and hands.

Initial investigations have identified four members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) as suspects in the attack, according to a press conference held by the TNI’s Military Police Center (Puspom TNI) on Wednesday. Major General Yusri Nuryanto, head of Puspom TNI, identified the suspects as belonging to the TNI’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (Denma Bais TNI).

The case has prompted calls for a thorough and impartial investigation, with concerns raised about the potential implications for freedom of expression and human rights advocacy in Indonesia. The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has announced plans to summon the Commander of the TNI for questioning regarding the case.