Kontras Coordinator Writes to President Prabowo Regarding Acid Attack Case

From Jakarta, the handwritten letter penned by Andrie Yunus, a coordinator at the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (Kontras), to President Prabowo Subianto, brings a critical human rights issue to the forefront. The letter, dated April 17, 2026, is a stark reminder that more than 30 days have passed since the attempted premeditated murder of Yunus himself via an acid attack, yet progress in resolving the case remains frustratingly slow. This direct appeal to the President underscores the perceived lack of serious commitment from authorities in addressing such grave violations.

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More than 30 days have passed, how is the progress of my case?

Yunus, supported by his colleagues from Kontras and the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD), has pursued justice through various channels, including independent investigations and reporting to the police. The TAUD's findings identifying at least 16 perpetrators on the ground strengthen Yunus's rejection of a military trial. He argues, based on historical precedents involving military personnel, that military courts have consistently failed to deliver justice, accountability, and comprehensive institutional responsibility, thereby perpetuating a cycle of impunity.

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This letter is written because I assess that to date there has been no progress and serious willingness in resolving this case.

The core of Yunus's plea is for the establishment of an independent joint fact-finding team (TGPF) to ensure the case is adjudicated in a public court. He emphasizes that this is not just about his personal ordeal but about the state's commitment to upholding the rule of law. Yunus urges President Prabowo to ensure the case is handled accountably through the public judicial system, which he deems the only legitimate, credible, and conflict-of-interest-free forum. This perspective highlights a deep-seated concern within Indonesian civil society regarding the efficacy and impartiality of military justice when civilians are victims of military wrongdoing, contrasting sharply with the state's obligation to due process.

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In various settlements of cases that victimize civilians, such as cases of forced disappearances, murder, torture, to domestic violence by TNI soldiers through military courts, justice, accountability, and comprehensive institutional responsibility have never been found up to the top command. This will certainly only prolong the track record of impunity.