By 
20-03-2026 | Dominik Miklósi | Asia Researcher, Global Human Rights Defence.
Andrie Yunus, the deputy coordinator of KontraS, a non-governmental organisation in Jakarta, was attacked with acid due to his negative stance on the military’s expanded involvement in civil spheres. The Indonesian police have arrested four suspects recently, all of whom are from the military, and will conduct further investigation into the case.
On March 16th, 2026, the Indonesian authorities announced the commencement of an investigation into the case of Andrie Yunus, a human rights activist who fell victim to an acid attack earlier this month. The activist spoke out against the increased role of the military in civilian affairs, which has sparked concerns in wider circles across the world’s third-largest democracy.
The attack, which left 24 percent of Yunus’ face and arms with burns, triggered massive backlash from both local and international rights organisations. It sheds light on significant issues concerning fundamental freedoms in Indonesia, such as the right to security, the right to freedom of expression, and the right to life.
On March 19th, 2026, the BBC reported developments in the case. According to the news outlet, four military personnel were arrested and placed in custody by the police for their alleged involvement in the acid attack. The authorities said that the motive behind the act remains subject to further investigation. KontraS, the Jakarta-based rights group of which Yunus is the deputy coordinator, said that the attack was an apparent “attempt to silence critical voices”. Additionally, Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, also commented on Yunus’ situation, stating that he is “deeply concerned” about the events.
Mr. Prabowo Subianto, the President of Indonesia, strongly condemned the attack in an interview uploaded on March 19th, 2026, on his YouTube channel. “This is terrorism, isn’t it? A barbaric act. […]” said Mr. Subianto, emphasising the heinous character of the conduct.
What happened to Yunus cannot take place in any democratic society around the globe, and any act of violence such as the one endured by the rights activist must be prevented. Upholding public security can only be achieved if Indonesia takes proactive steps tosafeguard and promote human rights.
