Komnas HAM Suspects House in Panglima Polim is Key to Acid Attack Case
The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) states that witnesses at a house on Jalan Panglima Polim 3 Number 11—an asset of the Ministry of Defence designated for the TNI’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS)—are suspected to be a key part of the investigation into the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus.
Komnas HAM Monitoring and Investigation Commissioner Saurlin P Siagian noted that one suspect, a BAIS member with initials BHWC, was known to travel to and from the house during the series of planned attempted murder efforts against Andrie.
“Witnesses at that house are an important part of this case and must be investigated further,” Saurlin said during a press conference at Komnas HAM’s office in Jakarta on Monday (27/4).
Komnas HAM has identified 14 suspected perpetrators who are interconnected behind the planned attempted murder using acid against Andrie.
Additionally, there are suspicions of at least five unidentified persons (OTK) engaging in suspicious activities around the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office. There are also indications of three other perpetrators not directly involved in the field.
These findings are based on analysis and evidence such as CCTV recordings, police cell dump analysis, police technology used to access conversations from BTS, and witness statements.
“In terms of substance, these are our findings from at least eight parties we sought information from in various locations, including at Komnas HAM,” Saurlin explained.
In carrying out their actions, the suspected perpetrators brought suspicious items, including white plastic bags believed to be used to carry bottles containing acid liquid, and a black bag allegedly containing tracking or eavesdropping devices.
Saurlin added that one suspected perpetrator continued to follow Andrie to the National Central General Hospital Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM) after the attack.
“We indicate a pattern of planned and coordinated attacks between the perpetrators,” Saurlin stated.
He added that indicative information from TNI Headquarters does not align with facts obtained from other sources. Therefore, he considers the ongoing legal process at TNI’s Pushpom to lack transparency and accountability.
Recommendations
Based on these findings, Komnas HAM recommends that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the role and function of TNI intelligence, particularly various illegal operations and actions that violate human rights, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Komnas HAM also urges the President, together with the DPR, to revise the Military Court Law to align with the TNI Law and the 2025 Criminal Procedure Code, ensuring that TNI members who commit general criminal offences are tried in general courts to prevent impunity.
The President is also requested to form a Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) to ensure a thorough, objective, impartial, transparent, and accountable revelation of the attack on Andrie.
“Meanwhile, recommendations to the police to continue the investigation and prosecution of the acid attack incident against Mr AY to completion, especially to uncover other perpetrators including civilian elements,” said Komnas HAM Chairperson Anies Hidayah.
The acid attack case against KontraS External Division Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus will enter the proof stage in court.
The Jakarta Military Court II-08 has scheduled the reading of the indictment against four perpetrators who are TNI BAIS members for Wednesday, 29 April 2026.