AI-Generated Photo of Jakarta Acid Attack Suspects Deemed Misleading | KontraS Case

Police Confirm Viral Images of Acid Attack Suspects are AI-Generated

Jakarta – Indonesian police have stated that images circulating on social media purporting to show the perpetrators of the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus are the product of artificial intelligence (AI) and are intended to mislead the investigation. The confirmation, made by Jakarta Metropolitan Police Public Relations Head Kombes Budi Hermanto, comes as authorities continue to investigate the acid attack that occurred on Thursday, March 12th, 2026.

The emergence of these AI-generated images highlights a new challenge for law enforcement in the digital age, where misinformation can rapidly spread and potentially obstruct investigations. Officials are urging the public to exercise caution when sharing information online and to avoid contributing to the dissemination of false or misleading content. The police are focused on identifying the actual perpetrators and bringing them to justice and are concerned that the spread of fabricated evidence could hinder their efforts.

What Happened: The Acid Attack and the Viral Images

Andrie Yunus, an activist with KontraS (Komisi untuk Orang Hilang dan Korban Tindak Kekerasan – Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), was attacked with acid on Thursday evening in Central Jakarta. The attack occurred after Yunus attended a podcast recording at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI). Details surrounding the attack remain under investigation, but police have confirmed they are pursuing two suspects.

Shortly after the attack, images began circulating on social media platforms, allegedly depicting the individuals responsible. These images, presented as CCTV screenshots, quickly gained traction. However, Kombes Budi Hermanto has now publicly stated that these images are not authentic, but rather were created using AI technology. He believes the dissemination of these images is a deliberate attempt to derail the ongoing investigation. The police have not released any verified images of the suspects.

The Rise of AI-Generated Misinformation

The case underscores the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation, particularly in the context of criminal investigations. AI tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, capable of creating realistic images and videos that are tough to distinguish from genuine content. This poses a significant challenge for law enforcement and the public alike. The ability to fabricate evidence raises concerns about the potential for wrongful accusations, the obstruction of justice, and the erosion of public trust.

This isn’t the first instance of AI being used to create deceptive content. The technology has been employed to generate fake news articles, impersonate individuals online, and create deepfake videos. As AI technology continues to evolve, the potential for misuse will likely increase, requiring a proactive approach to combatting misinformation. Tempo.co English reported on the facts surrounding the attack, highlighting the police’s concerns about the misleading images.

What the Police Are Doing

Kombes Budi Hermanto emphasized the police’s commitment to a thorough investigation and urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information. He requested that citizens allow investigators the space and time necessary to conduct their work effectively. The police are actively pursuing leads and are confident they will apprehend the perpetrators.

“We also ask the public to be wise so that this investigation is focused and not disturbed, not intervened with by things deliberately created to mislead,” Hermanto stated. He reiterated the police’s determination to bring the individuals responsible for the attack to justice. Tempo.co English provides further details on the police investigation.

The Victim: Andrie Yunus and KontraS

Andrie Yunus is a prominent activist with KontraS, an organization dedicated to advocating for human rights and seeking justice for victims of violence and enforced disappearances in Indonesia. KontraS has been involved in numerous high-profile cases, often challenging the government and powerful institutions. The organization’s work has made it a target of threats and intimidation in the past.

The attack on Yunus has raised concerns about the safety of human rights defenders in Indonesia and the potential for escalating violence against activists. VOI.id reported that Yunus was being treated for his injuries, noting that his face was peeling after being doused with hard water.

What Happens Next?

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police are continuing their investigation, focusing on identifying the two suspects and determining the motive behind the attack. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the area, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing forensic evidence. The police are also working to trace the origin of the AI-generated images and identify those responsible for spreading them.

The case is likely to attract significant public attention and scrutiny, particularly given the victim’s prominent role as a human rights activist. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by human rights organizations and international observers. The police have not provided a timeline for the completion of their investigation, but have assured the public that they are working diligently to bring the perpetrators to justice.