Four TNI Soldiers Named Suspects in Acid Attack on KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus

Jakarta, March 18, 2026 – The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has detained and named four soldiers as suspects in the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS). Despite this action, a coalition of civil society organizations is urging that the case be prosecuted through the general justice system to ensure transparency and accountability.

TNI Investigation and Suspects Identified

TNI Military Police Center Commander, Major General Yusri Nuryanto, announced the detention of the four suspects on Wednesday (March 18th). The suspects, identified as Captain NDP, First Lieutenant SL, First Lieutenant BHW, and Sergeant ES, are members of the TNI Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) Denma, representing both the Navy (AL) and Air Force (AU). Three of the four are officers.

Yusri stated the TNI will investigate the case thoroughly and professionally, promising transparency throughout the process. He indicated the suspects could face charges under Article 467 of the Criminal Code, with potential penalties ranging from four to seven years imprisonment. Akurat.co reports Yusri assured the public that trials in the military justice system are open to the public.

Concerns Over Military Justice

The Civil Society Coalition, including organizations like Imparsial, KontraS, and Amnesty International Indonesia, has expressed deep regret over the TNI’s decision to handle the case through military justice. The coalition argues that military courts have a history of impunity and may not adequately address the systematic issues and potential involvement of command-level actors in the attack. Kompas.com highlights concerns that a military trial may hinder the revelation of intellectual actors behind the assault.

Muhammad Isnur, General Chairman of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), emphasized the require for a thorough investigation into the intellectual perpetrators and not just those directly involved in the attack. He also suggested the TNI Commander, the Head of BAIS, and the Minister of Defense should not evade responsibility for the incident.

Calls for Independent Fact-Finding Team

Activists are urging President Prabowo Subianto to establish an independent fact-finding team (TPF) to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation. Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, Usman Hamid, believes a TPF involving civil society is crucial for uncovering the full extent of the planned attack. Media Indonesia reports that the attack raises suspicions of wider involvement and potential state-sponsored terrorism.

Senior advocate Todung Mulya Lubis echoed this sentiment, stating that an independent team with integrity and a strong human rights record is necessary to reveal any intellectual actors involved.

Background of the Attack

Andrie Yunus was attacked on the evening of March 12, 2026, in Central Jakarta. He sustained severe chemical burns covering approximately 24% of his body, including his eyes, face, chest, and hands. Tempo.co details that CCTV footage captured two individuals on a motorcycle carrying out the assault.

Police investigations revealed that four perpetrators were involved, with evidence collected from dozens of surveillance cameras. The perpetrators reportedly fled in different directions, with one changing clothes in an attempt to evade detection.