Former TNI BAIS Head Deems Military Court Appropriate for Andrie Yunus Case

JAKARTA — Former Head of the TNI’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), Soleman B Ponto, has emphasised that the handling of the acid attack case against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus is being appropriately addressed through the military court, not the general court.

Ponto made this statement while appearing as an expert witness at a hearing in the Military Court II-08 Jakarta on Thursday (7/5/2026).

According to Ponto, forcing the case involving four TNI soldiers into the general court could potentially lead to de facto impunity.

“Many people say to take them to the general court. If I were their commanding officer and the general court prosecutor requested them, but I didn’t hand them over, what would happen? It can’t be done. It can’t be done. What happens? De facto impunity,” Ponto said in the courtroom.

He explained that cases involving TNI members have their own mechanisms within the military justice system.

In that mechanism, there is room for resolution if there is a difference of opinion between the commanding officer with the authority to punish (Ankum) and the military prosecutor.

“But if it’s taken to the general court, impunity. So now, what do these people want to choose? Do they want impunity, or do they want us to try it in this military courtroom?” he continued.

Ponto also expressed frustration at the numerous calls for the case to be tried in the general court.

“So I’m also heated about that. Outside, they say, ‘How come because it’s BAIS, it’s not fair to try it in the military court, it must be in the general court to be fair.’ I’m heated too. If we say ‘Fine, just give it to the general court,’” he revealed.

“If one of these is granted, impunity. And remember, once the Constitutional Court makes a decision, it’s now and forever. So after that decision, if it’s granted, enjoy the impunity,” he said.

“But if that’s what those people outside want, fine, let’s debate it. Because we feel like the military is being regulated every day from waking up to sleeping, even in death they’re told to line up, but they’re still seen as the most sinful people in this country. Especially in upholding justice,” Ponto stated.

Previously, the Tim Advokasi untuk Demokrasi (TAUD) criticised the judicial process of the acid attack case against Andrie Yunus being held in the military court.