Military Expert: TNI's Swift Handling of Andrie Yunus Case is a Positive Signal
The swift response of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in handling the suspected acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), has received positive appreciation. This firm action is seen as a tangible manifestation of the military institution’s commitment to accountability and transparency in the eyes of the public.
Military and political observer from Universitas Nasional, Selamat Ginting, assesses that the lightning-fast action by the TNI is a positive signal in law enforcement that does not discriminate. “This quick handling shows seriousness in maintaining accountability. This is important amid the historical relations that are often tense between civil society and the military,” Selamat stated in his comments on Sunday (22/3).
According to him, this step sends a strong message that the supremacy of law must be upheld without compromising on institutional sensitivities or the background of the victim.
Selamat emphasised that the main issue in law enforcement in Indonesia today does not lie in technical obstacles, but in consistency in bringing facts to the surface.
The momentum of the TNI’s handling of the Andrie Yunus case is hoped to serve as a reflection for all law enforcement institutions. He stressed that openness is the main key to strengthening institutional legitimacy. “Acknowledging and addressing internal violations is a form of institutional courage, not a threat to honour,” he added.
Moreover, public trust, according to him, is the primary foundation for state apparatus that can only be built through consistent actions, not mere rhetoric. In a democratic country, honesty becomes the highest pillar in law enforcement. “The question is no longer who is faster or more sophisticated, but who is braver in being honest with the public. In a state of law, there should be no grey areas,” Selamat said.
TNI Military Police Transparency
Previously, the TNI Military Police (Puspom) moved quickly by detaining four TNI members serving in the Strategic Intelligence Agency Headquarters Detachment (Denma Bais) TNI. The four suspects with initials NDP, SL, BWH, and ES are now detained in the Pomdam Jaya Detention Centre with super maximum security status.
The TNI Military Police Commander (Danpuspom), Major General Yusri Nuryanto, assured that the case handling is being carried out professionally and transparently.
“The TNI Military Police will work professionally, and then transparently, so that in the subsequent stages, we will still invite the media,” Yusri said at TNI Headquarters, East Jakarta, on Wednesday (18/3).
Currently, the four TNI personnel are threatened with Article 467 of the Criminal Code, with a maximum penalty of 7 years in prison. The TNI Military Police promises to periodically report developments on the motive and autopsy results to the public. (Ant/P-2)