Indonesian soldiers face sentencing for acid attack on activist

Four soldiers from the Indonesian Army's Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS TNI) are set to receive their verdict today in a trial concerning an acid attack against activist Andrie Yunus. The military court in East Jakarta previously sentenced the four soldiers, Sergeant Dua Edi Sudarko, Lieutenant Satu Budhi Hariyanto Widhi, Captain Nandala Dwi Prasetyo, and Lieutenant Satu Sami Lakka, to two years and six months in prison. Crucially, the sentence did not include dismissal from the military. The prosecution highlighted aggravating factors, including the soldiers' actions contradicting the TNI's code of ethics and damaging the military's reputation, as well as causing severe injury to the victim. Mitigating factors included the soldiers' lack of prior convictions, their honesty during the trial, and their expressed remorse. The court heard that the attack was motivated by revenge or anger, stemming from perceived disrespect towards the TNI by the activist. This alleged insult occurred during a closed meeting discussing the revision of the TNI Law at the Hotel Fairmont in March 2025. The legal basis for the charges falls under Article 467 of the Criminal Code concerning assault and battery, read in conjunction with other relevant provisions. The case underscores tensions between military personnel and activists in Indonesia, particularly concerning perceived slights against the institution.