JAKARTA — Calls are intensifying for a public and transparent prosecution of the soldiers suspected in the acid attack on human rights advocate Andrie Yunus, raising concerns about accountability within Indonesia’s military justice system. The attack, which occurred last Thursday in Central Jakarta, has sparked outrage and fueled debate over the role of the military in civilian affairs. Civil society groups are pushing for the case to be handled by civilian courts, arguing that a military tribunal could shield those responsible and obscure the full extent of the attack.
Andrie Yunus, the Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), remains in intensive care at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, suffering from severe burns to his face, right eye, hands, and chest, according to reports. The attack took place shortly after Yunus participated in a podcast discussing “Remilitarism and Judicial Review in Indonesia,” a topic central to his human rights operate. His activism has focused on opposing revisions to Indonesia’s Military Law, which critics say could expand the military’s influence into civilian institutions.
Concerns Over Military Justice System
Nineteen civil society groups, including KontraS, Amnesty International Indonesia, and Imparsial, released a statement on Wednesday (March 18) expressing deep concern over the Indonesian Military’s (TNI) plan to handle the case internally. The groups argued that an internal investigation would “diminish the severity and systemic nature” of the attack and potentially allow senior figures to avoid accountability. “It is already an open secret that the military justice system suffers from impunity issues and often serves as a space to obscure accountability for ordinary crimes involving TNI personnel,” the statement read.
Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid echoed these concerns on Thursday, stating that the acid attack case should remain under police investigation, stressing that civilian law enforcement must retain primary authority. He also called for the establishment of an independent fact-finding team and for any soldiers implicated to be tried in civilian court, citing post-Reform legal frameworks that place the military under the general justice system for ordinary criminal offenses. CIVICUS reported on these calls for investigation.
Four Suspects Arrested, Linked to Military Intelligence
Despite the calls for civilian oversight, the TNI has moved forward with its own investigation. Indonesian Military Police Headquarters (Puspom TNI) commander Maj. Gen. Yusri Nuryanto announced on Wednesday that four suspects had been arrested, identified by their initials NDP, SL, BHW, and ES. Antara News reported that all four are reportedly members of the military’s Strategic Intelligence Agency headquarters detachment (Denma BAIS).
Maj. Gen. Nuryanto confirmed that investigators have yet to establish a motive for the attack, but stated that the Military Police will work “professionally and transparently,” and that all findings will be presented openly in court. The suspects face charges under Article 467 of the Criminal Code concerning premeditated assault, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
Expanding the Investigation
Civil society groups are urging investigators to seem beyond the immediate perpetrators and examine potential command responsibility. The coalition believes that “systematic elements” may be at play and that higher-ranking figures, including the TNI commander, the defence minister, and the BAIS chief, should not be exempt from scrutiny. The attack on Yunus occurred against a backdrop of increasing concerns about the growing influence of the military in civilian life, particularly following the ratification of a revised Military Law in March 2025 that allows active-duty officers to hold positions in 14 state institutions.
The Jakarta Police criminal investigation director, Senior Commander Iman Imanuddin, stated on Wednesday that police believe more individuals may have been involved in the attack, identifying two additional suspects, BHC and MAK, who remain at large. Police are analyzing scientific evidence to support their investigation and coordinating findings with the military.
Public Outrage and Fears of Intimidation
Public outrage over the attack remains high, with many expressing fears of intimidation and a chilling effect on human rights activism. Usman Hamid of Amnesty International Indonesia emphasized that the incident occurred in a public setting, alarming and traumatizing local residents. “Public interest has been the most harmed in Andrie’s case…Psychologically, it has instilled fear in many,” he said.
The attack has also drawn international attention, with calls for a thorough and impartial investigation coming from human rights organizations worldwide. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges to freedom of expression and the protection of human rights defenders in Indonesia.
The next step in the investigation is expected to be further questioning of the four arrested suspects and the continued search for BHC, and MAK. The TNI has assured the public that it will provide updates on the investigation, but civil society groups remain skeptical and continue to push for a transparent and independent inquiry. Readers can stay informed about developments in this case through updates from Antara News and CIVICUS.
If you or someone you know has been affected by violence or intimidation, resources are available. Please reach out for support.
