JAKARTA, LITERASIHUKUM.COM — Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, Ahmad Sahroni, has requested the police to act quickly in uncovering the perpetrators of the hard water attack against KontraS activist, Andrie Yunus. This urging comes amidst public attention on the brutal attack against the human rights defender and concerns that this case could widen the tension between civil society and the state. Sahroni himself has been active again as Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia since February 2026. 

The attack against Andrie Yunus occurred on Thursday evening, March 12, 2026, in the Jalan Salemba area, Senen, Central Jakarta. The Indonesian National Police stated that the initial examination showed the victim suffered burns on his chest, face, and hands, while KontraS stated that the victim's burn level reached approximately 24 percent. Andrie is currently still undergoing treatment at the hospital. 

Police Asked to Immediately Uncover Perpetrators and Motives

In his statement, Sahroni emphasized that the authorities must immediately identify and arrest the perpetrators, so that this case does not develop into a space for speculation that triggers mutual suspicion in the community. He also asked the public to view this matter clearly, while reaffirming his support for the victim. Even so, the statement still places the police as the party that must prove its commitment through concrete investigation results.

Sahroni's encouragement is in line with the official statement from the Indonesian National Police which stated that this case has received special attention from the Chief of the Indonesian National Police, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. The handling is being carried out by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Central Jakarta Metro Police with the support of the Jakarta Metropolitan Regional Police and the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police. The police also stated that they are conducting an evidence-based investigation, including analyzing CCTV recordings, examining witnesses, and deepening other digital evidence to accelerate the identification of the perpetrators. As of Friday, the police have examined at least two witnesses and opened space for the public to provide information with a guarantee of protection. 

The Andrie Yunus Case Becomes a Highlight Because It Concerns the Safety of Human Rights Defenders

This case has received widespread attention not only because of the extreme nature of the violence, but also because the victim is a human rights activist who has been active in advocating for sensitive issues. According to KontraS, the attack occurred after Andrie participated in a podcast at the YLBHI office entitled “Remilitarism and judicial review in Indonesia”. KontraS considers the event to be an attack on critical voices of civil society and urges the authorities to uncover not only the perpetrators, but also the motives behind the attack.

Concern for Andrie's safety is also inseparable from the history of pressure he had previously revealed. After protesting the discussion of the Bill on the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) in March 2025, Andrie reported receiving calls from unknown numbers and the arrival of unknown people to the KontraS office. In the hearing of formal review of the TNI Law in the Constitutional Court, Andrie again conveyed that there had been physical and digital intimidation after the action. These facts do not prove a direct link to the latest attack, but are sufficient to show that the advocacy work he carries out is indeed in a real risk situation.

Therefore, the demand that the perpetrators of the acid attack be arrested immediately does not only concern justice for one victim. This matter also touches on broader issues, namely guarantees of security for human rights defenders, public trust in law enforcement, and the state's ability to maintain civil liberties. If the police are able to uncover the perpetrators and motives quickly, transparently and accountably, then the state shows that attacks on activists will not be allowed to pass without accountability. Conversely, if this case drags on without clarity, what is strengthened is fear and the impression of impunity.