Deputy Human Rights Minister: TNI Should Not Stop at Revealing BAIS Members' Involvement in Acid Attack
Deputy Minister of Human Rights, Mugiyanto, has emphasised that the legal process in the acid attack violence case against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus must proceed transparently and accountably. He described the case as a crucial opportunity for internal system reforms within the TNI.
Mugiyanto appreciated the swift response from law enforcement authorities, both Polri and TNI, in handling the case. However, he reminded that the handling should not stop merely at uncovering the perpetrators.
“The ongoing legal process must ensure the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice, so as not only to resolve the incident but also to strengthen public trust,” he told reporters on Thursday (19/3).
Mugiyanto highlighted the emergence of differing information between Polri and TNI, which could potentially confuse the public.
“It is important to ensure strong coordination and data consistency among law enforcement authorities to avoid confusion and maintain the integrity of the legal process,” he asserted.
He welcomed the establishment of the Working Committee (Panja) by Commission III of the DPR RI as a positive step in monitoring the case.
“Hopefully, the Panja can make this case even clearer without exception,” he said.
Mugiyanto encouraged a thorough investigation, including exploring the possibility of other perpetrators and tracing actors behind the incident.
“The process must be able to uncover everyone involved, including if there are parties who planned or controlled it,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of openness to public oversight as well as protection for victims and witnesses. According to him, violence against human rights defenders is not merely an individual attack but a threat to the quality of democracy.
“Every act of violence against human rights defenders has a broad impact on public participation space and the quality of democracy,” he said.
In the institutional context, Mugiyanto assessed that the TNI needs to undertake serious internal reforms, particularly in enforcing discipline, including in the intelligence environment.
“Arranging and strengthening internal discipline must be carried out consistently to maintain the institution’s honour and public trust,” he stated.
He added that this incident should serve as a momentum to strengthen the human rights perspective in the education and development of state apparatus, including the military. The Ministry of Human Rights will continue to monitor the legal process to ensure it proceeds in accordance with human rights principles and applicable regulations.
“The success of handling this case is not only measured by the punishment of the perpetrators but also by the state’s ability to prevent similar incidents from recurring,” he concluded.