Analyst Calls for TNI Commander and Defence Minister to Take Responsibility in Andrie Yunus Case
The Chairman of the Central Initiative Management Board, Al A’raf, is urging that the investigation into the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), reach the highest command levels. Al A’raf insists that the disclosure of this case should not stop at the four field actors but extend to upper levels such as the Head of TNI Intelligence Agency, the TNI Commander, and even the Minister of Defence.
“I see signs of state terrorism. The question is how far this state terrorism is involved. Is it limited to just those four people, or is there more far beyond that,” said Al A’raf during a public discussion held by the Indonesia Youth Congress in Jakarta on Thursday (9/4/2026).
According to him, if examined more closely, the acid attack case against Andrie Yunus cannot possibly end with just those four individuals. He stated that no intelligence operation works without a clear structure or command, especially within strategic intelligence bodies. It is difficult for such an operation to be carried out solely by four individuals.
“I am not convinced that those four people have a motive against Andrie Yunus. They have no interest in the public work carried out by Andrie Yunus. Instead, those with a motive against Andrie Yunus are that state terrorism mentioned earlier,” said Al A’raf.
He explained that efforts to build this state terrorism stem from the advocacy work done by Andrie Yunus, such as advocacy for the TNI Bill, advocacy for victims, and others. Particularly in the framework of pushing for security sector reform, in this case, TNI reform.
Al A’raf stated that the Strategic Intelligence Agency, which is part of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) institution, deserves to be held accountable at level two or three upwards, at the level of its BAIS head, even the TNI Commander, and even further to the level of the Indonesian Minister of Defence.
“In my opinion, that must be checked,” Al A’raf emphasised firmly.
On that occasion, political science academic from the University of Indonesia Jakarta, Firdaus Syam, stressed that there is no reason for state organs to carry out brutal and cruel actions against their citizens. Therefore, he said, the government must provide a transparent explanation regarding the intellectual actors behind the Andrie Yunus case.
“The government must provide an open and transparent explanation to the public, not just carrying out violent actions but who the actors are, who the directors are, that must be revealed,” Firdaus stated.
Military and geopolitical expert, Connie Rahakundini Bakrie, emphasised that strategic intelligence should not only serve as a tool for national defence but also function as a guardian of democracy and human rights (HAM). However, according to her, when coordination is weak, institutions are not transparent, and human rights protection is ignored, intelligence can potentially become a threat to the people.
“National strategic intelligence is not only a tool for national defence but also a guardian of democracy and HAM. If coordination is weak and human rights protection is ignored, then intelligence can become a threat to its own people,” Connie said.
She highlighted findings from Tempo media’s investigation team regarding allegations of the use of a Ministry of Defence official residence by TNI BAIS in the series of events of the attack on Andrie Yunus. According to her, the pattern of events indicates a non-spontaneous operation.
“It is evident from the systematic stages, starting from planning, execution, to escape attempts. This indicates a structured operation,” Connie concluded.