Indonesian Military Chief to Face Questioning Over Acid Attack on Activist
Jakarta – Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto will be questioned by the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) regarding the alleged involvement of TNI personnel in the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus on March 12th. The move comes amid discrepancies in information released by the TNI and the National Police (Polri) concerning the suspects involved.
Investigation and Discrepancies
Komnas HAM Chairperson Anis Hidayah stated the commission intends to seek clarification from General Subiyanto on the differing suspect initials provided by the TNI and Polri. “We deem it necessary for TNI to clarify the initials BHC and BHW, which Polri say refer to the same person using different initials,” Hidayah said in a statement on Thursday.
Komnas HAM is continuing its investigation, coordinating closely with the Greater Jakarta Police. According to Hidayah, the commission has gathered sufficient information regarding the suspects and evidence related to the case.
Call for Civilian Court Trial
Komnas HAM is advocating for the case to be processed in a civilian court, arguing that, as the victim is a civilian, the incident does not constitute a military offense. Hidayah emphasized the importance of a civilian trial to prevent impunity and ensure transparency and accountability. She highlighted Indonesia’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which mandates prompt, transparent, independent, and accountable investigations.
Hidayah also noted that military trials are generally not open to the public, further supporting the need for open proceedings in a civilian court.
Detentions and Ongoing Investigation
Currently, four TNI personnel have been detained by the TNI Military Police in connection with the attack. These individuals reportedly serve at the Headquarters Detachment of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) of the TNI. Military Police Commander Major General Yusri Nuryanto confirmed the ongoing investigation into their alleged involvement.
Related News
This incident follows a period of heightened security concerns in Indonesia. In September 2025, Indonesian police and the military were ordered to firmly address anarchic acts according to Antara News. Komnas HAM granted Human Rights Defender status to Andrie Yunus as reported by Antara News.
In a separate case in September 2025, Komnas HAM confirmed human rights violations in the death of Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi driver, involving the Jakarta Regional Police Mobile Brigade as detailed by Tempo.co.