Friday, 19 June 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ The Forum of Deans of Law Faculties (Fordek FH) and the Association of Muhammadiyah Higher School of Law Leaders (STIH PTM) across Indonesia have strongly condemned the acid attack on the Deputy Director of the human rights organization KontraS, Andrie Yunus. The groups described the incident as a serious assault on human rights defenders and a direct threat to the rule of law and democracy in Indonesia.
Allegations of Link to Human Rights Advocacy
Fordek FH & STIH PTM Indonesia Chairman Dr. Faisal, SH., M.Hum., stated that the attack should not be treated as an ordinary criminal act. He said there were strong indications that the incident was connected to the victim's human rights advocacy work.
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"This is not merely an assault; it may constitute an attempted premeditated murder of a human rights defender. It is intended to create fear and intimidate civil society," Faisal said in a press statement on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Rising Concern Over Democratic Space
Faisal emphasized that Andrie Yunus has been actively involved in several strategic human rights issues, including allegations of militarization, controversies surrounding revisions to Indonesia's TNI Law, and participation in an investigative commission into the August 2025 protest events. These roles, he said, strengthen suspicions that the attack was aimed at silencing critical voices.
He warned that inaction by authorities could have serious consequences for Indonesia's democratic development.
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"If such practices are allowed, the democratic space will continue to shrink. This is a signal of regression in the rule of law," said Faisal, who also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Law at Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatra (UMSU).
Call for Transparent Investigation and Accountability
Secretary of Fordek FH & STIH PTM Indonesia, Satria Unggul WP, SH., M.H., urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and accountable investigation into the case.
He stressed that authorities must not only pursue the direct perpetrators but also identify and prosecute the intellectual actors behind the attack.
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"Law enforcement must not stop at the field executors. The masterminds must also be identified and held accountable," Satria stated.
Concerns Over Impunity and Protection for Activists
Satria also warned about the risk of impunity, which has been seen in previous cases of violence against activists. Incomplete investigations, he said, could perpetuate a cycle of injustice.
Fordek FH PTM called for the establishment of special legal protections for human rights defenders, including Anti-SLAPP mechanisms. The state, it emphasized, has a constitutional obligation to ensure the safety of citizens who fight for justice.
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The forum also urged the government and parliament to open constructive dialogue on sensitive national security issues.
Academic Solidarity and Continued Monitoring
Faisal concluded by calling on the legal academic community to stand in solidarity with human rights defenders.
"Universities must not remain silent. The academic world must stand with human rights defenders and ensure that law does not fall under terror," he said.
Fordek FH & STIH PTM Indonesia stated that they will continue to monitor the case until substantial justice is achieved. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Muhammad Said
