UN experts warn military trial in activist's acid attack case risks impunity in Indonesia

United Nations experts have issued a stark warning regarding the use of military tribunals in the case of Indonesian human rights activist Andrie Yunus, who was subjected to an acid attack. The experts contend that prosecuting this case through military courts risks entrenching impunity within Indonesia's justice system.

The UN experts highlighted that military justice mechanisms are fundamentally inadequate for guaranteeing accountability, particularly in cases involving civilian victims and alleged violations of human rights by military personnel. They expressed serious concerns about the potential for a lack of transparency and independence in military proceedings, citing the Indonesian military court system's history of limiting public access and failing to hold high-ranking officials accountable.

Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator for External Affairs at the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), was attacked with acid in Jakarta on March 12, 2026. The assault occurred shortly after he participated in a podcast discussing controversial revisions to the Indonesian Military Law and the increasing militarization of civilian and political affairs. The attack left Yunus with severe burns on his eyes, face, and body, requiring extensive medical treatment.

Four members of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) of the Indonesian military have been named suspects in the case and are currently on trial at the Military Court II-08 Jakarta. The military prosecutor has sought a prison sentence of 2 years and 6 months for the accused, who are charged with premeditated severe assault resulting in serious injury. Civil society organizations have widely condemned the attack and suspect it is linked to Yunus's advocacy work. The UN experts' statement underscores the international community's scrutiny of Indonesia's handling of human rights cases and the potential for military involvement to undermine justice.