Advocacy Team Urges TNI to Dismiss Acid Attack Defendants

A coalition of Indonesian advocacy groups, including the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) and the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), is strongly urging the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to dismiss four of its members implicated in a severe acid attack. The target of this brutal assault was Andrie Yunus, the Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, a prominent human rights organization.

“

TAUD and KontraS provide the opinion that the dismissal process should be able to proceed first.

TAUD and KontraS contend that the TNI should take immediate disciplinary action, including dismissal, against the accused soldiers even before the completion of their criminal trial. They argue that such a move would demonstrate the institution's commitment to justice and its zero-tolerance policy towards criminal acts by its personnel. "The dismissal process should be able to proceed first," stated Dimas Bagus Arya, Coordinator of KontraS, emphasizing that this would signal the TNI's good faith in ensuring a fair and transparent legal process.

Furthermore, the advocacy groups are pushing for a thorough investigation into the potential involvement of other military members, particularly from the BAIS TNI (Indonesian Military Intelligence Agency). TAUD's preliminary investigation suggests that as many as 16 BAIS TNI members might be connected to the attack, which involved both military personnel and civilians. The demand for accountability extends beyond the immediate perpetrators to uncovering any command or organizational links.

“

The absence of ethical sanctions or administrative sanctions first before the legal process shows that there is an intention to 'protect' the perpetrators.

From the perspective of Tempo, an Indonesian publication, this case highlights critical issues of accountability within the military and the protection of human rights defenders. The delay in bringing the accused to trial and the ongoing debate over disciplinary versus legal proceedings underscore the complex relationship between military justice and civilian oversight in Indonesia. The article implicitly questions whether the military is adequately addressing internal misconduct and protecting activists, suggesting a need for greater transparency and swifter action to uphold justice and democratic principles.

“

We are still writing to the hospital and our last letter has not been answered.