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Activist Andrie Yunus Attacked with Acid After Critique

3/17/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Indonesian human rights activist Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid in Jakarta on March 12, causing burns to 24% of his body.
Yunus recorded a podcast criticizing military influence in government just before the attack.
CCTV footage shows two assailants on a motorcycle targeting him.
Human rights groups, including KontraS, condemned the attack as silencing dissent.
UN rights chief Volker Türk expressed deep concern and called for accountability.

History

Historical Context

The fall of President Suharto in Indonesia in 1998 marked a significant shift towards political dissent and human rights activism, with the organization KontraS emerging to advocate for victims of state violence. Reports indicated over 1,000 human rights abuses during this period. The recent acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus underscores ongoing threats against dissenters, reflecting the enduring struggle for accountability in Indonesia.

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Story summary

Indonesian human rights activist Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid in Jakarta on March 12, causing burns to 24% of his body.
Yunus recorded a podcast criticizing military influence in government just before the attack.
CCTV footage shows two assailants on a motorcycle targeting him.
Human rights groups, including KontraS, condemned the attack as silencing dissent.
UN rights chief Volker Türk expressed deep concern and called for accountability.

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