Ministry of Human Rights Requests TNI's BAIS to Address Andrie Case

Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto has requested that the Head of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) provide a stance on the four soldiers suspected of perpetrating the acid attack on Kontras activist Andrie Yunus. Mugiyanto stated that TNI BAIS Chief Lieutenant General Yudi Abrimantyo needs to take concrete steps in response to findings from the TNI Military Police Centre that implicate his subordinates.

“The Head of the Strategic Intelligence Agency is expected to take firm and responsible actions in addressing the behaviour of his soldiers, as part of efforts to uphold the honour of the TNI institution and broader public trust,” he said in a written statement quoted on Friday, 20 March 2026.

According to him, such firm stance is part of the TNI’s ongoing efforts to improve and strengthen internal discipline more consistently. He also requested coordination between TNI and Polri in handling this case, given the discrepancies in the initials of the identified perpetrators.

Mugiyanto believes that merely identifying the field perpetrators is insufficient. He wants the legal process to proceed transparently, accountably, and justly, so that law enforcement not only resolves the incident but also bolsters public confidence.

The Ministry of Human Rights, responsible for protecting human rights, he said, will continue to monitor the handling of this case to ensure all stages comply with human rights principles and applicable laws and regulations.

“The success of handling this case will be measured not only by the legal resolution against the perpetrators but also by the state’s ability to ensure such incidents do not recur, and in maintaining a balance between the use of authority and the protection of human rights,” he added.

Andrie Yunus, who frequently criticises the TNI Law and the expansion of military roles into civilian spaces, was doused with acid while on Jalan Salemba I-Talang, Central Jakarta, on Thursday night, 12 March 2026. Andrie was attacked with a dangerous solution by two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle approaching from the opposite direction.

The corrosive chemical liquid affected the right side of Andrie’s body, including his eye, face, chest, and hand. Part of the victim’s clothing also melted due to the acid. Medical examinations showed Andrie suffered serious burns covering 24 percent of his body. He is currently undergoing treatment at the National Central General Hospital Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM).

Metro Jaya Police identified two suspects who threw the liquid, initialled BHC and MAK. Photos of the two were displayed during a press conference at Metro Jaya Police Headquarters, South Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the TNI Military Police Centre detained four members of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS TNI) suspected of being involved in the attack on Andrie. The four, initialled NDP, SL, BHW, and ES, are from the air and sea branches. NDP holds the rank of captain, SL and BHW are first lieutenants, while ES is a second sergeant.