Rights Group Demands Probe of Ex-Military Intel Chief in Acid Attack Case

Jakarta, Indonesia – A human rights group is pushing for the investigation of a former high-ranking military intelligence official in connection with an acid attack case. Dimas Bagus Arya, coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), called on the Jakarta Metropolitan Police to examine Lt. Gen. Yudi Abrimantyo, the former head of the TNI Strategic Intelligence Agency (Kabais).

Arya's request comes as he is scheduled to provide testimony regarding the acid attack on Andrie Yunus. The investigation is being pursued following a court order that mandated the police to continue their inquiry into the incident. KontraS, along with the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD), is involved in pushing for a thorough investigation.

"So today we, in the sense of me as the coordinator of KontraS, will undergo an examination to deepen the investigation processes that the police team is working on related to the acid attack," Arya stated at the Jakarta Police headquarters. He indicated that investigators would likely inquire about TAUD's investigation findings and a pre-trial motion filed earlier.

KontraS wants Abrimantyo's testimony because they believe it is crucial for uncovering the full scope of the attack. "To uncover what? To uncover the operational actions that we also argued in the investigation findings presented by the advocacy team for democracy," Arya explained. This call for Abrimantyo's examination stems from the belief that the attack may have been an "operation."

Previously, a military court sentenced four individuals for their roles in the acid attack. Sergeant Major Edi Sudarko received three years, and Lieutenant One Budhi Hariyanto Widhi received two and a half years, both identified as the direct perpetrators. Captain Nandala Dwi Prasetyo was sentenced to two years, and Lieutenant One Sami Lakka to one and a half years. The two main perpetrators also face dismissal from military service.