KontraS Criticises TNI's Reasoning on Motive Behind Attack on Andrie
The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) has urged President Prabowo Subianto to establish a Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) regarding the case of the attack on Andrie Yunus. KontraS also demands that the legal process for the four suspects in the attack on Andrie be handled under civilian courts.
KontraS Working Body Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya stated that the argument presented by the Military Prosecutor 07-Jakarta, claiming that the motive of soldiers from the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) for throwing acid on Andrie was personal revenge, only further convinces that the legal process is unaccountable.
“Instead of clarifying this case, the claim of a personal revenge motive only strengthens signals of impunity,” Dimas said in a written statement on Friday, 17 April 2026.
According to Dimas, since the initial investigation, the Military Police Centre has shown no intention of transparency, accountability, or consideration for the victim’s rights. Therefore, the statement from the Military Court 08-II Jakarta that the trial of Andrie’s case will be open to the public does not address the implementation of a just legal process in this planned attempted murder case.
Chairman of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) Muhammad Isnur has questioned President Prabowo’s commitment, who previously described Andrie’s case as an act of terrorism and barbarism. Isnur quoted Prabowo’s statement in an interview with several journalists at his residence in Hambalang, Bogor Regency, in mid-March 2026. At that time, Prabowo stated that he would thoroughly investigate this case, targeting its intellectual perpetrators.
However, Isnur said, until the case file for Andrie’s case was handed over to the court, Prabowo’s attitude appeared indifferent. This can be seen in Prabowo’s failure to meet demands for the formation of the TGPF or to order the police to continue the investigation into the attack.
“So, we consider Prabowo’s statements as mere empty promises,” Isnur said.
Andrie was doused with corrosive chemical liquid on 12 March while passing through the intersection of Jalan Salemba I-Talang, Central Jakarta. Medical records indicate that the KontraS Deputy Coordinator suffered burns over more than 20 percent of his body.
Based on statements from the Military Police Centre, there are four perpetrators of the dousing. They are NDP, SL, BHW, and ES, from the air and sea forces. NDP holds the rank of captain, SL and BHW are first lieutenants, while ES is a second sergeant.
On 3 April, Andrie also submitted a letter of objection and vote of no confidence regarding the legal process of his case being handled through the military court mechanism. He stated that the legal process through military courts potentially does not provide justice for the victim.
Andrie views military courts as often becoming a space for impunity for soldiers who commit legal and human rights violations.