Novel Baswedan: Investigation into Acid Attack on Andrie Yunus Appears Closed

Jakarta - Former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator Novel Baswedan stated that the case of the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, involving four TNI BAIS soldiers, appears closed.

“The investigation into the acid attack on Andrie Yunus seems closed and slow,” said Novel via his X account, which Kompas.com has been permitted to quote, on Wednesday (8/4/2026).

However, according to Novel, this case constitutes a serious crime.

For Novel, the actions of the TNI soldiers amount to a case of premeditated attempted murder or premeditated serious assault (anirat) resulting in serious injuries.

To date, said Novel, cases of attacks on activists have never been fully uncovered.

Therefore, he opined that an independent Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) should be formed.

“In this case, the actual evidence is very complete; if the process goes through military courts only superficially, it will become apparent,” he stressed.

He assessed that if no TGPF is formed and the process continues in military courts, with parties being protected, it could potentially cause problems in the future.

“I was shocked to read the news that the case file for the acid attack on Andrie Yunus has been handed over to the Military Prosecutor’s Office. Hasn’t Andrie Yunus been examined yet?” wrote Novel.

Novel stated that the handling of attack cases against activists has often not been conducted seriously.

He assessed that perpetrators are frequently given light sentences and the interests of victims are inadequately considered.

“From the beginning, there was concern that the handling of the premeditated attempted murder case against Andrie Yunus would be superficial, and the perpetrators would receive light punishment,” he said.

“It’s very evil; not only are the perpetrators not processed thoroughly, but the victim is even slandered,” said Novel.