Analyst: Resignation of Kabais Head is a Good Form of Accountability
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Executive Director of the Indonesia Public Institute, Karyono Wibowo, stated that the step of handing over the position of Head of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (Kabais) constitutes a good form of accountability from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
The handover of the Kabais position was carried out in connection with the acid attack case against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, perpetrated by four Bais members.
“The handover of the TNI Kabais position by Lieutenant General TNI Yudi Abrimantyo is a form of accountability. Whatever the term—whether handover of position or resignation—in my view, this is a firm, positive step that must be appreciated,” Karyono said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to Karyono, this step proves that top leadership must bear full responsibility for the actions of their subordinates, including when they commit criminal acts.
He stated that this approach should also become a new standard for all institutions in handling cases of legal violations committed by their members.
He assessed that if this pattern is applied widely, it will strengthen public trust in state institutions while creating a deterrent effect.
“Steps like this can create a deterrent effect and increase public trust. In that way, incidents such as acid attacks or arbitrary actions by officials will not recur,” he said.
In addition, Karyono sees an effort by the TNI to continue improving and adapting to democratic values as well as respect for human rights (HAM).
“I see a positive effort from the TNI to change and adapt to the democratic climate, while prioritising human rights. This is an important point,” he said.
Nevertheless, he reminded that the handover of the position must be followed by firm law enforcement against the perpetrators.
“But of course, resignation alone is not enough. The perpetrators must still be processed according to the applicable law in the military domain,” he said.