Analyst: Resolution of Andrie Yunus Case Becomes a Gamble for Public Trust

JAKARTA - Military analyst Aris Santoso stated that the TNI must be transparent in handling the involvement of four BAIS TNI members in the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. This is because the case has captured public attention and even the international community. He also encouraged the TNI to provide space for the public to monitor the case’s revelation. Aris emphasised that appreciation should be given to civil society elements. This is because the resignation of TNI Lieutenant General Yudi Abrimantyo as Head of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) TNI can be seen as the military institution’s response to public demands. He added that this case could serve as an important lesson, particularly regarding the application of military courts. Therefore, political commitment or political will from the TNI is still needed. Previously reported, four soldiers from the TNI’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) were involved in the acid splashing attack on the Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Andrie Yunus. This was revealed after the TNI Headquarters Military Police Centre (Puspom) received the surrender of the suspects and announced it to the public on 18 March 2026 at 14:00 WIB. From the announcement, it was revealed that Puspom TNI had detained four BAIS TNI soldiers with initials Captain NDP, Lieutenant SL, Lieutenant BHW, and Sergeant ES before they were transferred to the Jayakarta Military District Police (Pomdam Jaya). However, two others are still under examination. Nevertheless, Puspom TNI has not disclosed the detailed roles, motives, or complete chronology of the attack. Puspom TNI assured that they are investigating the masterminds behind the acid attack on Andrie Yunus. Most recently, the Head of the TNI Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), Lieutenant General TNI Yudi Abrimantyo, resigned from his position following the acid attack case against Andrie Yunus.