Four TNI Soldiers Charged in Severe Acid Attack on KontraS Deputy Coordinator

The recent indictment of four Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers for a brutal acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), has sent shockwaves through Jakarta. This incident, which occurred on March 9, 2026, and involved the use of a corrosive substance, is not merely a criminal act but a deeply troubling reflection of potential impunity within certain military circles. The soldiers, reportedly from the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), allegedly acted out of perceived insult after Yunus interrupted a meeting concerning the revision of the TNI Law in March 2025.

According to the military prosecutor, the motive was to 'teach Andrie Yunus a lesson' after he was seen on a viral video disrupting the sensitive legislative discussions. The prosecutor detailed how Sergeant Edi Sudarko, First Lieutenant Budhi Hariyanto Widhi, Captain Nandala Dwi Prasetyo, and First Lieutenant Sami Lakka conspired to carry out the attack, with one suggesting the use of rust cleaner instead of physical violence. This chilling premeditation, as laid out in court documents at the II-08 Jakarta Military Court, underscores the gravity of the charges, which include violations of Articles 469, 468, and 467 of the Criminal Code.

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With this incident, the defendants considered Andrie Yunus to have insulted the TNI institution, even trampled upon the TNI institution.

KontraS and its supporters have voiced deep concern over the slow progress of the investigation, with Yunus himself penning a direct appeal to President Prabowo Subianto. His request for an independent joint fact-finding team (TGPF) highlights a lack of confidence in the current investigative process and a desire for transparency and accountability. The fact that this appeal was delivered to the Ministry of State Secretariat on April 17, 2026, more than a month after the attack, speaks volumes about the urgency and the perceived obstacles in seeking justice. From an Indonesian perspective, this case is a critical test of the rule of law and the government's commitment to protecting human rights defenders and ensuring that military personnel are held accountable for their actions, especially when they target civilians and activists.

The narrative surrounding this attack is complex, touching upon the sensitive relationship between the military, legislative processes, and civil society. While Western media might focus on the legal proceedings and the human rights implications, the Indonesian perspective emphasizes the need for institutional reform within the TNI and the protection of democratic space. The demand for a public trial and a TGPF reflects a broader societal concern about ensuring that such acts of violence, particularly those allegedly perpetrated by state agents, do not go unpunished and do not set a dangerous precedent. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly be closely watched as a barometer of Indonesia's dedication to justice and accountability.

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As a victim of military violence, I ask Mr. President of the Republic of Indonesia to immediately establish the TGPF and decide that this case should be resolved in a public court.