Bamsoet Appreciates TNI and Polri's Swift Handling of Andrie Yunus Case

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) has given his highest appreciation to the TNI and Polri for swiftly uncovering, identifying, and arresting the perpetrators of the acid attack on KontraS deputy coordinator Andrie Yunus. The response from TNI and Polri is highly significant for efforts to maintain the purity of democracy and the image of the government under President Prabowo Subianto. “The quick reaction of TNI and Polri in uncovering and arresting the perpetrators of the terror and assault against the KontraS activist provides a very clear explanation that state elements or the government are not the intellectual actors behind this terror and assault. Even President Prabowo has strongly condemned the terror action and urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate the case to its masterminds,” said Bamsoet in his statement on Friday (20/3/2026). As is known, Andrie was terrorised and assaulted with acid thrown on his body after appearing on a podcast themed on militarism on Thursday (12/3) in the Central Jakarta area. The case has been condemned by the public. Polri immediately analysed footage from 86 CCTV points and obtained the characteristics of four perpetrators. They were arrested on Wednesday (18/3). Shortly thereafter, TNI Headquarters confirmed that the perpetrators were rogue TNI personnel, namely three officers and one non-commissioned officer. “The swift response of TNI and Polri in uncovering the case demonstrates the obedience of both institutions in protecting and maintaining the image of the state and government in the eyes of the public and the international community. Because with such a response, TNI and Polri explain that the state and government do not silence public criticism,” said Bamsoet. Bamsoet emphasised that the motives behind the actions of the four perpetrators must continue to be investigated, both internally by the TNI and through legal processes. Because when acts of terror, intimidation, and assault occur against individuals or groups voicing criticism of the government, the government and state apparatus will be greatly disadvantaged. “If the government and state institutions are passive in responding to such terror actions, assumptions will arise in the public sphere that rogue rulers are behind those despicable actions. This will clearly damage the reputation of the government or state institutions,” explained the 20th Chairman of the House of Representatives. Bamsoet added that TNI and Polri must not stop at merely arresting and punishing the perpetrators. The investigation should continue to aspects of motives and intellectual actors behind the four perpetrators. This case serves as a real example of dirty work by rogue elements within state institutions that has the potential to tarnish the government’s image. “Remember that terror and intimidation against individuals or groups voicing criticism of the government have occurred several times recently. If not handled with firm action, this tendency will damage the credibility of the state and the credibility of President Prabowo’s government,” he concluded.