Andrie Yunus Urges Civilian Court and Independent Fact‑Finding Team in Acid Attack

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Calls are mounting for the acid attack case against activist Andrie Yunus, allegedly carried out by members of the Indonesian Military (TNI), to be resolved through the civilian court system. Civil society groups argue that transparency and accountability must be prioritized to ensure justice.

Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Missing and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Andrie Yunus, submitted a letter to President Prabowo Subianto requesting that his case be processed under the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and not through military courts. He also urged the formation of an independent Joint Fact‑Finding Team (TGPF).

KontraS Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya said the letter was delivered to the Ministry of State Secretariat on Friday, April 17, 2026. He explained that the acid attack constitutes a general criminal offense, not a military crime tied to a soldier’s duties.

“The case is more appropriately resolved through the civilian court system,” Dimas said, noting that Law No. 31/1997 on Military Courts remains unchanged and is currently under judicial review at the Constitutional Court.

KontraS emphasized that an independent TGPF is needed to overcome political and legal obstacles. The Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) has presented evidence suggesting more perpetrators were involved than the four suspects named by military investigators. “The attack was carried out with prior planning and monitoring, details that the TNI has not yet disclosed,” Dimas added.

Andrie’s letter to the president underscored his rejection of military jurisdiction, citing past cases where military trials failed to deliver justice or accountability. He stressed that the case should be tried in a civilian court to expose all parties involved, including intellectual actors. “This is not only about me, but about the state’s commitment to protect its citizens and uphold the law fairly,” he wrote.

The appeal has gained support from several civil society organizations, including Indonesian Corruption Watch, SAFEnet, the Community Legal Aid Institute, Greenpeace, and Amnesty International Indonesia.

Andrie, who serves as KontraS Deputy Coordinator, suffered injuries to his hands and feet and impaired vision following the alleged acid attack. The TNI’s Military Police have named four members of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) as suspects: Captain NDP, First Lieutenant SL, First Lieutenant BHW, and Staff Sergeant ES. ***