Indonesian Military Investigates Alleged Soldier Involvement in Acid Attack on Rights Activist
The TNI headquarters has initiated an internal investigation into the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, a human rights organisation. The military said the investigation was launched to address public concerns and speculation regarding alleged involvement by military personnel.
“Regarding the assault on our colleague, we note that public opinion has emerged suggesting the perpetrator may be from the TNI,” said TNI Spokesperson Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah at a press conference at TNI headquarters in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. “Since the incident occurred, the TNI has responded by conducting an internal investigation. I urge journalists to be patient, as the TNI works professionally and transparently.”
Major General Aulia requested patience from all parties and assured that the TNI would maintain transparency throughout the investigation process. He emphasised that the military was investigating the allegations to prevent misinformation from spreading further in society.
“We will investigate the allegations regarding military personnel involvement. We hope to present our findings when the investigation develops further. We do not want unfounded opinions to persist in public discourse,” he said.
The Presidential Palace also issued a statement on the matter. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi expressed concern about the acid attack incident and relayed President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction for the case to be investigated objectively, transparently, and as quickly as possible.
“We are deeply concerned about this incident. The President has ordered an objective, transparent, and expedited investigation,” Hadi told journalists at the Defence Ministry office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo also confirmed the police’s commitment to resolving the acid attack case. General Sigit stated he had received a direct order from President Prabowo to conduct a thorough and professional investigation.
“I have received a direct order from the President to conduct a comprehensive, professional, and transparent investigation into this assault on an activist,” General Sigit said to journalists after inspecting Mudik exodus traffic flows at Surabaya Gubeng Central Station in East Java on Sunday, 15 March.
General Sigit explained that the investigation would employ scientific crime investigation methods. His team continues to gather information and evidence in the field, which will be thoroughly analysed as the investigation progresses.