Military Headquarters Responds to Allegations of Military Personnel's Involvement in Acid Attack on KontraS Activist
Indonesia’s military headquarters has finally responded to public allegations regarding alleged military involvement in an acid attack against Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of KontraS, a human rights advocacy group. The military headquarters is currently conducting an internal investigation into the matter.
“At this opportune moment, I would like to address the developing situation, specifically regarding the assault on our colleague AY. We have observed public opinion suggesting the perpetrators may be from the military,” said Military Spokesperson Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, as quoted by detikNews on Wednesday (18 March 2026).
“I must emphasise that since the incident occurred, the military has responded by conducting an internal investigation. I would respectfully ask members of the press to be patient, as we in the military work professionally and transparently,” he added.
Major General Aulia urged all parties to exercise patience. He assured that the military would be transparent regarding the investigation process.
“Therefore, I ask members of the press to be patient, and we will provide updates. Of course, we will conduct this work professionally and transparently regarding the incident. That is what I needed to convey, thank you,” he stated.
Major General Aulia stated that the military is investigating allegations that military personnel were involved in the acid attack against Andrie Yunus. He expressed hope that these rumours would be clarified.
“Naturally, given the public discussion surrounding this matter, we will investigate allegations involving military personnel. So our hope is that as this develops, we will inform members of the press about it. Because of course, we do not want these rumours circulating in society to persist. We hope to provide information on this subsequently,” he emphasised.
Regarding the acid attack on Andrie, the presidential palace has also issued a statement. The Palace, through State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, expressed concern over the acid attack suffered by Andrie Yunus.
Prasetyo revealed President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction that the case be investigated objectively and openly.
“Of course, we are very concerned about this incident, and as the chief of police has already stated, the President has instructed that it be investigated objectively, openly, and as quickly as possible,” Prasetyo told journalists at the Defence Ministry office in central Jakarta on Tuesday (17 March).