A prominent human rights activist in Jakarta, Indonesia, was attacked with acid on March 12, 2026, raising concerns about a potential crackdown on dissent. Andrie Yunus, 27, deputy coordinator at KontraS – the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence – suffered 24 percent burns to his face, chest, and hands, and may have lost his right eye.
Acid Attack and Arrests
Two men on a motorcycle threw acid at Yunus at approximately 11 p.m. At an intersection in the Menteng area of Jakarta. He had just finished recording a podcast interview at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation. Indonesian military police arrested a military captain, two lieutenants, and a sergeant connected to the Indonesian Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) on March 18. CCTV footage released by the National Police shows the attack and captured Yunus’s movements in the week prior.
However, the initials released by the National Police regarding the suspects differed from those provided by the military police, raising questions about whether all those involved have been identified.
A History of Criticism and a Changing Political Landscape
Yunus has been a vocal critic of the Indonesian military, particularly following amendments to the Armed Forces Law in March 2025 that expand the military’s role in civilian sectors. He also participated in a report concerning possible military involvement in arson attacks during nationwide protests in August and September 2025. Prior to the attack, Yunus reported receiving threats and being placed under surveillance.
More than 420 organizations have condemned the attack and called for a full investigation. President Prabowo Subianto stated on March 19 that the act was “barbaric” and vowed to investigate “who ordered them, who paid.”
Challenges to Accountability
Indonesian law generally prevents civilian police from investigating military personnel, with investigations typically handled by the military itself. The 1997 Law on Military Courts grants military tribunals jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed by soldiers. Human Rights Watch notes that the military justice system has a history of failing to adequately investigate and prosecute serious human rights abuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KontraS?
KontraS is a nongovernmental organization known as the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence.
What was President Prabowo Subianto’s response to the attack?
President Prabowo Subianto called the attack “barbaric” and stated that an investigation would be launched to determine who ordered and funded the attack.
What concerns have been raised about the investigation?
Concerns have been raised due to discrepancies between the suspect initials released by the National Police and the military police, and because Indonesian law generally prevents civilian police from investigating military personnel.
Given the history of impunity within the Indonesian military justice system, it remains to be seen whether a truly independent and thorough investigation will be conducted, and whether those responsible for the attack on Andrie Yunus will be held accountable.
