Acid Attack Verdict Seen as Perpetuating Impunity

The Jakarta High Military Court’s appeal ruling has drawn sharp criticism after it reduced the sentences of two soldiers convicted in the acid attack against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus and restored their military status.

Second Sergeant Edi Sudarko’s sentence fell from three years to two years and six months in prison. First Lieutenant Budhi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono’s sentence dropped from two years and six months to two years. The appellate judges also overturned the military dismissals imposed on both officers.

The sentences of the other two defendants did not change. Captain Nandala Dwi Prasetyo received two years in prison, while First Lieutenant Sami Lakka received one year and six months. Prosecutors had previously sought two years and six months for each defendant.

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The decision shows how the legal process is designed as an instrument to perpetuate impunity.

Hendardi, chairperson of the SETARA Institute National Council, said the decision showed the state’s weak commitment to justice for the victim. “The decision shows how the legal process is designed as an instrument to perpetuate impunity,” he said in a written statement.

Hendardi said the reduced penalties and canceled dismissals were predictable and argued that the legal process had failed to punish the perpetrators or deliver justice. He said the mechanism could instead spread fear among civilians and people who monitor, criticize, or demand accountability from authorities.

He also criticized the military venue. The police initially handled the case through the civilian justice system, but the TNI Military Police Center later took over and the case moved to military justice. SETARA said that change compromised judicial independence and accountability, while exposing victims to further harm.

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On the contrary, the mechanism is considered as a means to spread fear among civilians and anyone brave enough to monitor, criticize, and demand accountability for the behavior of authorities.