Authorities Identify Key Suspects in Acid Attack on KontraS Activis

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Investigations into the brutal acid attack against Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Andrie Yunus, have reached a critical turning point. Authorities have now officially identified two primary suspects in the case.

Under direct orders from President Prabowo Subianto to resolve the case, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) are now utilizing a combination of scientific evidence and public cooperation to track down those responsible.

As reported by Antara, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) disclosed the initials of two individuals currently under intense scrutiny following a comprehensive review of police databases.

"We can currently inform you that the two individuals we have identified from the Polri data are BHC and MAK," said the Director of General Criminal Investigation at Polda Metro Jaya, Sr. Com. Iman Imanuddin, during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

However, the scope of the investigation appears to be expanding beyond these two individuals. Commissioner Iman explained that the results of the investigation do not rule out the possibility of other perpetrators, potentially involving more than four people.

This assessment is based on initial intelligence and testimony from 15 witnesses who have been formally questioned by the police. "From these statements and the connection with evidence and clues we obtained, both at the crime scene and along the suspected transit routes," he explained.

To bolster their efforts, the police have established dedicated hotlines at 110 and 0812-8559-9191, urging the public to come forward with any information. Currently, forensic teams are analyzing further scientific evidence to support the formal prosecution process.

National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, personally guaranteed that the force remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice for the human rights activist. "Yesterday, the President clearly ordered us to investigate this thoroughly. Certainly, the police are currently working," said the General at the Polda Metro Jaya on Wednesday.

He revealed that investigators are meticulously examining footage from 86 CCTV cameras located around the crime scene. The General emphasized that the police would not rely solely on video recordings and are actively seeking other sources of information and physical evidence.

"We are bringing everything together to truly ensure this case is uncovered, or at the very least, made crystal clear," he concluded

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Military Police (Puspom TNI) has officially detained four personnel from the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) in connection with an acid attack on a high-profile human rights advocate. The suspects, identified by their initials NDP, SL, BWH, and ES.

Commander of the Puspom TNI, Mayor General Yusri Nuryanto, confirmed on Wednesday, that the individuals are members of the BAIS Headquarters Detachment (Denma BAIS), Indonesia Military (TNI). "So, now these four suspected perpetrators have been secured at Puspom TNI for further investigation at the inquiry level," said Yusri in Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.

He emphasized the specific organizational background of the suspects to clarify their origins within the military structure. "We inform you that these four suspected perpetrators are all members of Denma BAIS TNI. So, they are not from any other unit, but from Denma BAIS TNI."

While the suspects are in custody, the underlying motive for the targeted attack on the KontraS activist remains unclear. Major General Yusri noted that the legal team is still working to uncover why the personnel allegedly carried out the acid splashing.

The suspects currently face charges under Article 467, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. The military leadership has pledged a transparent legal process as the case moves toward the military court.

"Puspom TNI will work professionally in handling this case. All stages, from the investigation and filing to the submission of the files to the Military Oditurate, will be presented openly until the trial process," concluded Yusri.

Since this case occurred on Thursday night, March 12, 2026, various civil society groups in different cities across Indonesia have urged law enforcement authorities to promptly investigate and resolve the case fairly. ***