BAIS Chief Resigns After Soldiers Allegedly Throw Acid on Activist; Analyst: Classic Pattern to Quell Military Crisis

Jakarta - A political and military analyst from the National University (Unas), Selamat Ginting, views the resignation of the Head of the Indonesian Armed Forces’ Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS TNI), Yudi Abrimantyo, as a classic pattern in military organisational crisis management.

This step was taken after four BAIS TNI soldiers were allegedly involved in the acid-throwing incident against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus.

“This reflects a classic pattern in armed organisational crisis management, namely centralisation of control for rapid stabilisation,” said Selamat Ginting on Thursday (26/3/2026).

Such incidents have the potential to disrupt the chain of command, unit cohesion, and information security.

The takeover of control at the highest level also indicates that the case is being taken seriously by TNI leadership.

“This step can be read as an organisational sterilisation effort, cleaning up potential conflict residues within BAIS to maintain stability,” he stated.

Selamat assessed that this step is important to prevent internal friction or potential dual loyalties that could hinder legal processes and investigations.

On the other hand, this decision is also seen as laden with political calculations. In the Indonesian context, the acid-throwing case carries strong emotional resonance in society.

“The TNI is trying to send a message that the institution does not tolerate violations, even if they involve strategic units,” Selamat explained.

This step is also viewed as a pre-emptive effort to prevent the politicisation of the case in the public sphere.

In a democratic system, every matter involving armed apparatus has the potential to be drawn into the political realm, either to criticise the military’s role in civilian spaces or to revive past traumas.

Previously, BAIS TNI Head Yudi Abrimantyo relinquished his position after four BAIS TNI members were secured in connection with the acid-throwing case against KontraS Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus.

TNI Information Centre Head Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah stated that the handover of the position was a form of accountability.

“As a form of accountability, today the handover of the Kabais position has been carried out,” Aulia said during a press conference at TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap on Wednesday (25/3/2026) night.