Indonesia puts four soldiers on trial for acid attack on activist
A military court in Jakarta has opened the trial of four Indonesian soldiers accused of an acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus, who had opposed expanding the military's role in government. The defendants face up to 12 years in prison. The attack occurred on March 12, and the trial is scheduled to continue on May 6.
A military court in Jakarta has opened the trial of four Indonesian soldiers accused of carrying out an acid attack on an activist who had opposed expanding the military's role in government.
Military prosecutors on Wednesday indicted the group, consisting of Edi Sudarko, Budi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, Nandala Dwi Prasetia, and Sami Lakka, with intentional serious assault, carrying a maximum sentence of 12 years under Indonesia's criminal code.
The defendants, represented by military-appointed lawyers, appeared in court in uniform. One defense lawyer said they would not contest the indictment, allowing the trial to proceed.
The attack occurred on March 12, when activist Andrie Yunus – Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) – was riding a motorcycle in Jakarta. Two men on another motorcycle splashed acid on him.
According to military prosecutor Mohammad Iswadi, Andrie, 27, suffered burns to more than 20% of his face and body, and lost sight in one eye. Although police initially identified two other suspects based on CCTV footage, four others were eventually arrested.
All worked for the Indonesian military's Strategic Intelligence Agency, whose head resigned, though the reason was not stated. Iswadi said the group was angered by Andrie's activities but did not act on official orders.
At the time of the attack, Andrie had just recorded a podcast, criticizing what he called the militarization of Indonesia's government under President Prabowo Subianto, a former general. He had also opposed an amendment approved by Indonesia's parliament last year, allowing active-duty soldiers to be appointed to more government positions, including the attorney general's office, the disaster relief agency, and the anti-terrorism agency.
Human rights groups have criticized this move for increasing military involvement in public affairs, potentially leading to abuse of power and human rights violations. “The suspects believed that Andrie Yunus had insulted and trampled on the military as an institution,” Iswadi said.
Indonesia's Human Rights Commission, Komnas HAM, separately stated that at least 14 people were involved in the attack. The group warned that such incidents “could create fear among civilians when criticizing government officials.”
According to Iswadi, the four men planned the attack at their military accommodation in Jakarta. One of them obtained “rust remover” from a military workshop and mixed it with battery acid, before the group rode a motorcycle to search for Andrie. The next hearing is scheduled for May 6, when the prosecution is expected to present witnesses.
