RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian House of Representatives Commission XIII lawmaker Yanuar Arif Wibowo described the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus as a serious threat to democracy, not merely a criminal act.

He said the attack amounted to intimidation against civil rights. “The target is not just an individual, but the broader critical public,” Yanuar stated in Jakarta on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Yanuar highlighted the alleged involvement of military personnel in the case and called for a transparent, accountable investigation free of favoritism. He noted that the incident has wide implications for public safety and urged the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) to monitor the proceedings.

He also asked the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure human rights protections remain upheld. Yanuar stressed that the legal process must go through the public court system to maintain transparency and public trust.

He welcomed the swift action taken by the Victim and Witness Protection Agency (LPSK) to provide protection, noting that safeguarding victims and witnesses is crucial to uncovering the facts of the case.

Earlier, the Indonesian National Military Police Headquarters (Puspom TNI) detained four personnel suspected of involvement in the acid attack against Andrie Yunus.

“The four suspects have been taken into custody at Puspom TNI for further investigation. This process is being conducted to ensure that the legal facts are fully uncovered,” said Puspom TNI Commander Maj. Gen. Yusri Nuryanto on Wednesday, March 18.

He confirmed that the case is being handled in accordance with legal procedures and identified the four detained personnel, initials NDP, SL, BWH, and ES, as members of the Denma BAIS unit of the TNI.

Puspom TNI emphasized that the legal process will be carried out with transparency and accountability.

Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid on March 12, 2026, in Central Jakarta, shortly after participating in a podcast at the Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office. The program focused on “Remilitarism and Judicial Review in Indonesia,” a topic central to his human rights advocacy.

The attack left Andrie with serious chemical burns to his face, chest, hands, and one eye, covering about 24 percent of his body. He was rushed to Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) for intensive care. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)