Andrie Yunus Case Must Be Placed Proportionally as an Individual Action, Not an Institutional One

The handling of the acid attack case against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus continues to attract public attention. Amid this spotlight, the swift and firm actions by the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ Military Police (Puspom TNI) are seen as a demonstration of the institution’s commitment to upholding the law and maintaining public trust.

Since the case emerged, TNI through Puspom has moved quickly by arresting and examining several rogue members suspected of involvement. Transparency is also shown through open communication of case developments to the public, including the identities and roles of the alleged perpetrators.

Professor Kadri, a lecturer in Communication Studies at UIN Mataram, stressed that this case must be placed proportionally as an individual action, not an institutional one.

“In my view, this issue should be positioned as rogue elements. It cannot be extended to the institution. It is not wise. It must be placed as rogue elements,” he told reporters on Tuesday, 24 March 2026.

He warned of the potential for opinion steering that could harm the TNI institution as a whole. However, according to him, TNI has long been an institution that is a source of pride for society.

“I’m afraid this issue will be steered into character assassination of the institution that has been a source of pride. It should not lead to delegitimisation of the institution that should be strengthened because of this case,” he said.

Furthermore, he assessed that in the current information era, society is easily influenced by narratives that may not be complete. Therefore, clarity and consistency of information from the institution are key.

“Nowadays, society quickly believes certain information. Clarity is needed to avoid bias,” he stated.

From a public communication perspective, he views TNI’s step of opening information transparently as the right strategy to avoid confusion.

“TNI has dared to explain this transparently. In communication, something ambiguous makes the public not fully grasp the message. Message certainty is important. This is what the public is waiting for,” he explained.

He also assessed that TNI has shown a sufficiently clear stance on handling the case, including revealing which rogue elements are involved.

“I think TNI has been clear. Who the rogue perpetrators are and so on. TNI must also be aware of attempts or signals of delegitimisation,” he added.