Ministry of Human Rights Urges TNI and Police Not to Confuse Public Over Investigation into Andrie Yunus Assault
Jakarta – Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto has voiced support for the steps taken by Polri and TNI in following up on the case of violence against Kontras activist Andrie Yunus. However, Mugiyanto has requested that TNI and Polri avoid confusing the public in the investigation of the case due to differences in the initials of the perpetrators.
Mugiyanto stressed that the handling of this case cannot stop merely at identifying the perpetrators. The ongoing legal process must ensure the fulfilment of principles of transparency, accountability, and justice, so as not only to resolve the incident but also to strengthen public trust.
“In relation to the differences in information circulating between Polri and TNI, it is important to ensure strong coordination and data consistency among law enforcement apparatus, to avoid causing confusion in the public sphere and to maintain the integrity of the case handling process,” Mugiyanto stated in his remarks on Thursday (19/3/2026).
The Ministry of Human Rights encourages the investigation and prosecution process to continue comprehensively. This is to open the possibility of other perpetrators and to trace the roles of involved parties.
“Including if there are parties that planned or controlled the incident,” Mugiyanto said.
In that framework, Mugiyanto noted that attention needs to be directed not only to the enforcement aspect but also to the completeness of the process and openness to public oversight, as well as guarantees of protection for victims and witnesses. Moreover, protection for human rights defenders is an integral part of the state’s obligations in ensuring a safe and dignified space for public participation.
“Every form of violence against human rights defenders not only impacts individuals but also has implications for the overall quality of democracy,” Mugiyanto said.
Mugiyanto also positively welcomed the initiative of Commission III of the DPR-RI to form a special task force to encourage the handling of this case. Mugiyanto views this as a form of the state’s presence for the victim.
“Hopefully, the formed task force can make this case even clearer without exception,” Mugiyanto said.
Four active TNI soldiers have been named as suspects and detained in connection with the suspected case of dousing Kontras activist Andrie Yunus with caustic liquid. According to TNI Pushpom Commander Major General Yusri Nuryanto, the four suspects are Captain NDP, Lieutenant SL, Lieutenant BHW, and Sergeant ES.
They are charged under Article 467 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the new Criminal Code, which regulates premeditated assault. The penalty under that provision is only 2 to 4 years in prison.
This differs from the initials of the suspects according to the police version. Metro Jaya Police reported that the initials of two suspected perpetrators of the caustic liquid dousing on Andrie Yunus are BHC and MAK, who acted as executors or those who threw the caustic liquid onto Andrie’s body.