Imparsial: Handover of TNI Kabais Position Requires Transparent Explanation
Director of Imparsial, Ardi Manto, stated that the handover of the position of Head of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (Kabais TNI) by Lieutenant General Yudi Abimantyo occurred without an accompanying official transparent explanation. This step is seen as potentially breaking the chain of accountability for intellectual actors in the acid attack case against Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, Andrie Yunus.
Ardi emphasised that the abrupt removal from position without clarity on legal status will only fuel wild speculation in society.
“Is this removal a proactive step in the investigation due to indications of direct involvement, or merely an administrative transfer due to oversight negligence (command responsibility)? Without public accountability, this action instead obscures the real substance of the problem,” Ardi said in a written statement on Thursday (26/3/2026).
Ardi suspects a pattern of hand-washing to dampen public unrest by quickly replacing leadership. He is concerned that the legal process will only stop at field perpetrators, while the command structure above is protected through position transfers.
“There is an impression as if the TNI has taken firm action, when in fact this could be a strategy to save intellectual actors. If this pattern is adopted, the masterminds behind the attack on Andrie Yunus will never be touched by the law,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Ardi reminded that public trust in the TNI institution is now at a crossroads. Steps that appear closed and defensive are seen as damaging the TNI’s image as a professional institution that should be subject to civilian supremacy.
According to him, if this case is not opened transparently, there will emerge a perception that military institutions remain a law-immune zone for elite officials.
“Practices of impunity towards intellectual perpetrators will have a bad impact on our democratic climate. Involving intelligence elements to attack human rights activists is a serious threat,” he added.
Ardi also highlighted the sociological impact of this case. If the state does not resolve this case transparently, it will send a message that violence is tolerated.
“This could create fear among civil society to participate in overseeing government operations. The public will wonder, is this indeed a scenario being run by the state to silence criticism?” Ardi concluded.
Previously, TNI Headquarters stated that the position of Head of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (Kabais), held by Lieutenant General TNI Yudi Abimantyo, has been handed over, as a result of the investigation into the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. However, the TNI has not explained all matters in detail.
“So we need to convey here, as a form of accountability, today the handover of the Kabais position has been carried out,” said the Head of the Information Centre (Kapuspen) of TNI Headquarters, Major General TNI Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, during a press conference at TNI Headquarters, Jakarta, on Wednesday (25/3).