Prabowo Orders Thorough Investigation of Acid Attack on KontraS Activist

Prabowo Orders Full Investigation into Acid Attack on KontraS Activist

Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has directed a thorough investigation into the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the human rights organization KontraS. The President emphasized the need to identify not only the perpetrators but also the individuals who ordered and financed the attack, characterizing the act as “terrorism.” This directive comes amid growing concerns over the safety of human rights defenders in Indonesia.

“This is terrorism, isn’t it? A barbaric act. We must pursue it, we must investigate it, we must investigate it,” Prabowo stated during a discussion with journalists and observers on Thursday, March 19, 2026, as reported by detikNews. He specifically demanded answers to the questions of who issued the orders and who provided the funding for the assault.

Confirmed Details and Ongoing Investigation

According to officials, the Indonesian National Police (INP) is currently investigating the case. INP Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo confirmed that President Subianto issued a clear order for a comprehensive investigation on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The INP Chief stated that investigators are reviewing 86 CCTV footage recordings and conducting in-depth investigations to gather evidence. The victim, Andrie Yunus, is receiving medical treatment at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM).

The investigation is being led by the Jakarta Regional Metropolitan Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate and the Central Jakarta Sub-regional Metropolitan Police. President Subianto has assured that no one, including members of state institutions, will be shielded from prosecution if found to be involved. He stated, “If this is a provocateur who is not from the government, not from the apparatus, it must be investigated.”

Prabowo’s Stance on Potential State Involvement

President Subianto’s firm stance against protecting any perpetrators, regardless of their affiliation, is a significant development. He emphasized his commitment to upholding the law and maintaining a civilized Indonesia. He also expressed his willingness to consider the formation of an independent team to investigate the case, provided the team remains neutral and free from external influences. He cautioned against including organizations with a pre-existing bias against the government or those funded by foreign entities.

What We Know About KontraS and Andrie Yunus

KontraS (Komisi untuk Orang Hilang dan Korban Tindak Kekerasan) – the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence – is a prominent Indonesian human rights organization. It has been documenting and advocating for victims of state-sponsored violence and human rights abuses for decades. Andrie Yunus, as Deputy Coordinator, plays a key role in the organization’s advocacy and investigative work. The attack on Yunus has raised concerns about the increasing risks faced by human rights defenders in Indonesia, particularly those investigating sensitive cases involving state actors.

The Process of Investigation and Potential Outcomes

The investigation will likely follow standard Indonesian criminal procedure. This involves evidence collection, witness interviews, suspect interrogation, and potential forensic analysis. The Jakarta Regional Metropolitan Police will be responsible for building a case and presenting it to the public prosecutor. If sufficient evidence is found, the perpetrators will be formally charged and brought to trial. The process can be lengthy, involving multiple stages of investigation, pre-trial hearings, and court proceedings.

The President has indicated he will allow law enforcement agencies to work independently, but has also expressed a desire for a swift and thorough resolution. He stated, “I am a realistic and fair person, in terms of capacity let us allow them to work. But not only Polri, many other agencies must also work.”

Confirmed vs. Unclear

Confirmed:

• Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, was attacked with acid.
• President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a full investigation.
• The Indonesian National Police is actively investigating the case.
• The investigation is focusing on identifying both the perpetrators and those who ordered/funded the attack.
• President Subianto has pledged no protection for perpetrators, even if they are state officials.

Unclear:

• The identities of the perpetrators remain unknown at this time.
• The motive behind the attack has not been established.
• The extent of any potential involvement of state actors remains unclear.
• The timeline for the completion of the investigation has not been specified.

This is a developing story, and further details will emerge as the investigation progresses. The case highlights the ongoing challenges to human rights and freedom of expression in Indonesia, and the importance of ensuring accountability for acts of violence against activists and defenders.

The incident has prompted calls for greater protection of human rights defenders and a more robust commitment to upholding the rule of law. IDN Times reports that Prabowo characterized the attack as a form of terrorism, underscoring the severity of the crime and the need for a decisive response.