TNI Investigates Acid Attack on Human Rights Activist, Delays Release of Suspect Information

Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is facing increasing pressure to disclose the identities of four suspects detained in connection with the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, a prominent human rights activist and Vice Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS). While the TNI has confirmed the detention of the suspects, it maintains that it will not release their names or photos until the investigation is complete.

The attack occurred on March 18, 2026, leaving Yunus with severe burns. According to reports, the suspects are members of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) unit. The TNI Military Police Headquarters (Puspom TNI) has been leading the investigation.

Calls for Transparency

The Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD), a coalition of NGOs including Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta), KontraS, LBH Pers, Imparsial, Trend Asia, Amar Law Firms and Greenpeace Indonesia, has voiced concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the investigation. TAUD has urged the TNI to release photos of the suspects to allow the public to verify the information provided.

“We urge Puspom TNI to be transparent and accountable by releasing photos or showing the perpetrators directly,” TAUD stated in a press release on March 20, 2026.

Conflicting Information

TAUD has also highlighted discrepancies between information released by Puspom TNI and the Jakarta Metropolitan Police regarding the suspects. While the TNI has identified the suspects by the initials Captain NDP, First Lieutenant SL, First Lieutenant BHW, and Second Sergeant ES, the police have named two other individuals, identified by the initials BHC and MAK, as suspects in the case.

Demand for Independent Investigation

In light of these concerns, TAUD is calling on President Prabowo Subianto to establish an independent Joint Fact-Finding Team with the authority to investigate the attack thoroughly. The team should include representatives from law enforcement, civil society organizations, and individuals with a reputation for integrity.

As of Monday, March 23, 2026, Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, the head of the TNI Information Center, stated that the investigation is still ongoing and that the suspects’ identities will be revealed once the process is complete. “Please wait until the entire investigation process conducted by the investigators from Puspom TNI is completed,” Nasrullah said.