Andrie Yunus, a prominent human rights activist in Indonesia, was attacked with acid late Thursday night in Jakarta, resulting in severe burns to his hands, face, and near his eyes. The incident occurred as Yunus was leaving a legal aid office after recording a podcast. The brutal attack, which was captured on CCTV, involved two assailants riding a motorcycle, highlighting the dangers faced by activists in the region.

The attack has prompted immediate condemnation from human rights organizations and has raised concerns from the United Nations high commissioner for human rights. The Indonesian human rights organization KontraS has expressed its alarm regarding the incident, emphasizing the ongoing risks that human rights defenders face in Indonesia. The organization is calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for the perpetrators of this heinous act.

As the investigation progresses, it underscores the larger issue of violence against human rights activists in Indonesia, where many have faced threats and attacks for their work. This incident symbolizes the challenges of maintaining human rights advocacy in a climate of intimidation and fear, drawing attention to the need for stronger protections for activists and a more robust response from law enforcement agencies to such violent acts.