Indonesian human rights activist targeted in acid attack
- Human Rights Research Center
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Author: Peter Clarkin, MA
March 19, 2026
HRRC calls on the Indonesian authorities to investigate the unprovoked acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus. Protection for those fighting for human rights in the country should be of utmost importance, and pressure should be put on the Indonesian government to implement and enforce laws that ensure a safe environment for activists in the country.
![Andrie Yunus is the external affairs coordinator at KontraS, a leading Indonesian human rights organisation. [Image source: ABC Australia]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_e5dafd3fe02e4f1d82e8f8f17ad69816~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_897,h_597,al_c,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_e5dafd3fe02e4f1d82e8f8f17ad69816~mv2.png)
On Thursday, March 12, Andrie Yunus, a prominent human rights activist and environmentalist, was the victim of an unprovoked acid attack in Jakarta. The attack has drawn condemnation from a number of sources, with Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, describing it as a “cowardly act” and calling for the authorities to take action, stating that those responsible “must be held to account”.
The attack, which was captured on CCTV, occurred when two individuals on a motorcycle approached Yunus and threw acid on him. It is clear from the recording that the acid caused Yunus immediate pain, and upon arrival at the hospital, it was discovered that he had burns on 24% of his body.
The investigation into bringing the suspects to justice has been slow to commence, with Jakarta Metropolitan Police Commissioner Iman Imanuddin stating on March 16 that the police have not made any efforts to apprehend the perpetrator.” There are some concerns that the charges brought against any suspects may only view the crime as common assault and not focus on the political aspect of the attack, with Amnesty International stating that this incident should be used by the government to “end impunity and guarantee a safe environment for all human rights defenders in Indonesia.”
Andrie Yunus’ current work primarily focuses on his role with KontraS (the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), where he holds the position of Deputy Coordinator for External Affairs. KontraS has been prominent in speaking out against the military’s continued influence in Indonesia, and Yunus’s presence at the Fairmont Protest in 2025 further exacerbated tensions surrounding this issue. The protest was organised to oppose a law that would allow military officers to hold positions in 14 separate state institutions at the same time.
It is believed that Yunus’s presence at the Fairmont Protest alerted several parties to his activities and the work he is involved in. Since the protest, Yunus has faced intimidation and harassment in relation to his human rights work, all of which culminated in his violent assault.
The Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has called for a fair and thorough investigation and stated that “law enforcement must not be carried out arbitrarily.” Pressure must be put on the Indonesian authorities to ensure an open and thorough investigation is conducted and that they establish laws that offer protection for all human rights activists in the country.
Glossary
Apprehend – to arrest or catch someone suspected of a crime.
Arbitrarily – done without a clear reason or rule.
CCTV – closed-circuit television; cameras used to record or monitor areas for security
Commence – to begin or start something.
Condemnation – strong public expression of disapproval.
Cowardly – showing a lack of courage; easily frightened.
Culminated – reached its final point or result after a series of events.
Environmentalist – a person who works to protect the natural environment.
Exacerbated – made a problem or situation worse.
Intimidation – actions or threats used to frighten or pressure someone.
Justice – fairness and the proper punishment of wrongdoing.
Perpetrators – people who commit a crime or harmful act.
Police Commissioner – a senior officer in charge of a police force.
Prominent – important, well-known, or easy to notice.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights – the senior official in charge of promoting and protecting human rights around the world for the United Nations.
Unprovoked – done without any reason or cause.
Utmost – the greatest or highest degree of something.
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