Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesian police are investigating an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, a prominent human rights activist known for his criticism of the military’s increasing influence within the government. The attack, which occurred last week, has sparked widespread condemnation from international organizations and Indonesian officials alike, raising concerns about the safety of human rights defenders in the country.
Yunus, the deputy coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), was riding a motorbike when he was ambushed by two individuals on a scooter who threw acid at him. He sustained significant injuries to his face, hands, torso, and one eye, requiring specialized intensive care treatment, according to KontraS representative Jane Rosalina. The attack occurred shortly after Yunus finished recording a podcast discussing the remilitarization of Indonesian government and a judicial review of related policies.
Authorities have identified four suspects and are currently conducting a manhunt, Jakarta police official Iman Imanuddin told reporters on Monday. CCTV footage revealed that four individuals on two scooters were following Yunus prior to the assault. Forensic tests are being conducted on a motorcycle helmet and a container believed to have held the acid used in the attack, according to police.
Growing International Concern
The attack has drawn sharp criticism from the international community. UN rights chief Volker Türk expressed “deep concern” over the “horrific acid attack,” calling for those responsible to be held accountable. “Human rights defenders must be protected in their vital work and able to raise without fear issues of public concern,” Türk stated on X, formerly known as Twitter.
UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, also demanded a thorough investigation into what she described as an “unacceptable” attack. Amnesty International has similarly called for an urgent investigation, stating that the attack “must not be dismissed as ordinary street crime” but recognized as a violent attempt to silence a human rights defender. Amnesty International Indonesia’s executive director, Usman Hamid, noted that Andrie Yunus is “widely respected for his relentless advocacy for victims of human rights violations and his fierce opposition to regressive state policies.”
Context of Increasing Military Influence
The attack comes amid growing concerns about the increasing role of the military in Indonesian politics. Yunus has been a vocal critic of recent moves to expand the military’s influence, including challenging the controversial revision of the Military (TNI) Law, which allows military personnel to occupy civilian posts. The 2025 mass demonstrations against government policies, during which protesters faced police repression and arbitrary arrests, were also a focus of Yunus’s advocacy. KontraS has documented instances of unlawful repression during these protests.
Indonesia’s Minister for Law and Human Rights, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Still, human rights organizations are expressing concern about a broader pattern of intimidation and attacks against activists and those critical of the government. Amnesty International highlighted that the Indonesian government has, at times, resorted to stigmatizing human rights defenders as terrorists and instigators.
Medical examination results indicate that Yunus sustained burns covering 24% of his body, according to KontraS coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya. His most severe injury is to his right eye, and he is receiving specialized treatment.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released information regarding a potential motive for the attack. However, the timing and the victim’s outspoken criticism of the military have led many to believe that the attack was intended to silence a critical voice. The incident underscores the challenges faced by human rights defenders in Indonesia and the need for greater protection of civil society.
As the investigation progresses, the focus will be on identifying and apprehending the four suspects and determining the full extent of any potential connections to those seeking to suppress dissent. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for the future of human rights advocacy and the protection of activists in Indonesia.
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