Acid Attack on Indonesian Activist Raises Concerns Over Democratic Backsliding

On March 12, 2023, Andrie Yunus, the deputy coordinator of the KontraS rights group, was the victim of a severe acid attack in Jakarta, Indonesia. While riding his motorbike, Yunus was approached by two men on a scooter, one of whom threw acid at him, resulting in serious injuries to his face, eyes, hands, and chest. The attack left him with burns covering 24 percent of his body, necessitating immediate hospitalization. This incident has sparked widespread calls for a thorough investigation amid rising concerns about democratic backsliding in Indonesia.

South China Morning Post

Andrie Yunus has been an outspoken critic of increasing military influence in the Indonesian government, particularly under President Prabowo Subianto, who has been in office since 2024. His activism has previously attracted threats, highlighting the risks faced by human rights defenders in the country. The acid attack is viewed by many, including KontraS coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya, as an attempt to silence dissenting voices in society.

The Straits Times

In response to the attack, Jakarta police have initiated an investigation. Police spokesman Budi Hermanto confirmed that efforts are underway to identify the perpetrators. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Indonesia’s Minister for Law and Human Rights, condemned the attack as “an attack on democracy,” asserting that such acts of violence must not be tolerated and that the perpetrators will be prosecuted. Additionally, UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, stating that impunity for violence against human rights defenders is “unacceptable.”

The Straits Times

The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters, with human rights organizations expressing alarm over the implications for democracy in Indonesia. Human Rights Watch has reported that the country has experienced further democratic backsliding, including crackdowns on protests, media censorship, and intimidation of activists. The attack on Yunus is seen as part of a broader pattern of violence against those who challenge the government.

The Straits Times

While the details of the attack are consistent across reports, there is a lack of information regarding the specific motives behind the attack and the identities of the assailants. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are anticipated as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Straits Times

• “We view this acid attack as an attempt to silence critical voices in society,” — Dimas Bagus Arya, KontraS Coordinator

The Straits Times

• “Acts of violence like this must not be tolerated. Whoever the perpetrators are, whatever their motive, (they) must be prosecuted according to the law,” — Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Minister for Law and Human Rights

The Straits Times

This incident underscores the precarious state of human rights and democracy in Indonesia, raising urgent questions about the safety of activists and the government's commitment to protecting them.

The Straits Times