DistantNews
Indonesian Soldiers Charged in Acid Attack on Activist Criticizing Military's Government Role
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Conflict & Security

Indonesian Soldiers Charged in Acid Attack on Activist Criticizing Military's Government Role

From Utusan Malaysia · (8m ago) Malay Critical tone

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Four Indonesian soldiers have been charged with organized assault in connection with an acid attack on a rights activist.
  • The activist, Andrie Yunus, was severely injured last month after criticizing the military's growing role in government.
  • The soldiers, from the military's Strategic Intelligence Agency, deny acting on orders and claim they were motivated by anger over the activist's actions.

The recent trial of four Indonesian soldiers accused of a brutal acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus highlights a disturbing trend of military involvement in civilian affairs and the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out. Yunus, a vocal critic of what he describes as the 'military in Indonesian government' under President Prabowo Subianto, suffered life-altering injuries after being doused with acid. This incident, occurring shortly after he recorded a podcast criticizing the military's expanding influence, raises serious questions about the safety of activists in Indonesia.

The soldiers, reportedly members of the military's Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), are being tried in a military court. While their defense attorneys have indicated they will not contest the charges, the prosecution claims the attack was motivated by personal anger rather than direct orders. This assertion, however, does little to quell concerns among rights groups like KontraS, who have pushed for the trial to be held in a civilian court, fearing a cover-up in a country where attacks on activists are rarely punished.

ketenteraan dalam kerajaan Indonesia

— Andrie YunusThe activist's description of the military's role in government, which he criticized shortly before the attack.

The increasing role of the military in civilian government, as evidenced by recent legal amendments allowing active-duty soldiers to serve in numerous government ministries and institutions, is a significant point of contention. This expansion of military influence into non-traditional roles creates a fertile ground for such abuses of power. The fact that the soldiers' superior reportedly resigned following the incident, with the reasons undisclosed, only adds to the suspicion surrounding the case.

From our perspective at Utusan Malaysia, this case is not just about an isolated attack; it is a symptom of a larger issue concerning the balance of power between the military and civilian institutions in Indonesia. The international community may focus on the legal proceedings, but for us, the deeper concern lies in the erosion of democratic space and the silencing of dissent. The bravery of activists like Andrie Yunus, who risk their lives to hold power accountable, deserves not only justice but also a robust defense of their right to free expression.

Para tertuduh merancang untuk menyimbah Andrie Yunus dengan cecair kimia yang diketahui boleh menyebabkan lecur serius

— Mohammad IswadiThe prosecutor's statement detailing the planned nature of the attack.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog