PDIP on Transfer of Acid Attack Case: Even Polda is Afraid, Let Alone Civilians

PDIP lawmaker from the DPR’s Commission III, Siti Aisyah, has highlighted the transfer of the acid attack terror case against Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, Andrie Yunus, from Polda Metro Jaya to the TNI’s Central Military Police (Puspom). Aisyah views the transfer as implying that the police are unable to do much, potentially giving the impression of fear towards civilians. “We hope Polda does not close itself off to input from colleagues, including those from KontraS or other members of the public. Because we very much hope this is a state mandate, including President Prabowo ordering it to be resolved,” Aisyah said during an audience meeting with a civil coalition discussing Andrie’s case on Tuesday (31/3). “So if Polda quickly hands it over as if washing their hands of it, we as civil society feel that even Polda, the police, are afraid of intimidation, let alone us ordinary civilians,” she added. Aisyah hopes that with the President’s firm statement, the police will take a bold stance in the case. On the other hand, she assesses that the transfer indicates the apparatus believes the acid splashing against Andrie was entirely carried out by military personnel. However, several parties, including the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD), have stated that at least 16 perpetrators were involved in the acid attack on Andrie Yunus. Aisyah questions whether the police have examined the 16 suspected individuals. Thus, she believes trials can be conducted in connection between civilians and the military. “Our general courts try, investigate, and adjudicate for civilians. But for TNI, it’s in military courts,” Aisyah stated. Questioning the Legal Basis A TAUD member from LBH Jakarta, Fadhil Alfathan, questioned the legal basis for transferring Andrie’s case to Puspom TNI during the meeting. According to Fadhil, the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) has positioned Polri investigators as the primary investigators. Therefore, in Andrie’s case, there is no reason to transfer it to the military. “Our question is actually simple: what is the legal basis? Show and convey it transparently and accountably to us,” Fadhil said. Dirreskrimum of Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Iman Imanuddin, has not yet revealed the reason or legal basis for the case transfer. However, the decision was taken after an initial investigation process. “At this time, we can report to the leadership that the matter has been transferred to Puspom TNI,” Iman said in the meeting. To date, four individuals have been detained and are suspected of being the perpetrators of the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, namely NDP with the rank of captain, SL and BHW with the rank of lieutenant, and ES with the rank of sergeant. All four serve in the Detachment Headquarters of the TNI’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (Denma BAIS), originating from the Navy and Air Force. Recently, the Head of the TNI’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), Letjen Yudi Abrimantyo, officially resigned from his position. TNI’s Head of Information Centre, Mayjen Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, stated that the handover process took place on Wednesday (25/3).