Regarding the Handover of Kabais Position, Expert: TNI Now More Transparent

A social political communications expert from Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad), Rusdin Tahir, has highlighted the handover of the position of Head of the TNI’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (Kabais). He stated that this demonstrates that the TNI is now capable of acting more transparently.

He said that the narrative suggesting the TNI is ‘washing its hands’ by handing over the Kabais position is inappropriate. This is because, according to him, the legal facts related to the acid attack case are still being thoroughly investigated by the TNI’s Central Military Police (Puspom TNI).

“From an academic perspective, such a situation warrants criticism, as it can influence public perception before the legal facts are adequately tested. The TNI is an institution, and to date, there has been no final and binding court decision. The investigation and inquiry processes are still ongoing,” Rusdin stated in his official remarks on Saturday (28/3/2026).

He emphasised that the principle of presumption of innocence must be upheld in every report. Furthermore, Rusdin sees this step as an indication of a paradigm shift within the TNI towards a more open culture of accountability.

“There is a change from a defensive culture to a modern military that is more transparent. This can also serve as an example for civilian institutions, that the moral responsibility of leaders must be realised in a tangible manner,” he said.

Rusdin quoted a statement from the TNI Military Police Centre, which mentioned that the four suspects come from the BAIS Headquarters Detachment (Denma BAIS), which functionally plays a role in internal services for commanders, not an operational intelligence unit.

“From their positions and duties, it cannot immediately be concluded as an institutional operation. It could be the personal actions of rogue elements, but we must wait for further investigation results,” he said.

He also expressed his confidence that the military institution will handle this case transparently and fairly.

“I am confident that the good name of the institution will not be risked. The TNI will process this case openly, fairly, and thoroughly,” he asserted.

Regarding the handover of the Kabais position, Rusdin assessed this step as a form of moral responsibility of a commander in the military structure.

“In military traditions in various countries, no subordinate is entirely blamed. The commander still bears moral responsibility for what happens under their control,” he said.

According to him, the resignation also provides space for investigators from the Military Police to work independently without intervention.

“This is important so that the legal process runs fairly and objectively,” he added.

Previously, TNI Headquarters confirmed the handover of the BAIS Head position as part of internal dynamics as well as an effort to maintain the objectivity of the ongoing legal process.

The TNI’s Information Centre Head (Kapuspen), Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, emphasised that this step is not a form of evading responsibility, but rather part of the institution’s commitment to upholding professionalism and transparency.

“The handover of this position is an organisational step to ensure the legal process runs independently, objectively, and without intervention. The TNI is committed to resolving this case transparently and accountably,” he stated.

The move by Lieutenant General Yudi Abrimantyo to hand over the TNI Kabais position following the acid attack case is seen as a real example of institutional accountability for the public.

The TNI Kabais position was handed over after the acid attack case involving BAIS members. Four soldiers are suspects, and the investigation process is still ongoing.

The House of Representatives (DPR) has urged the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) to immediately issue a firm conclusion regarding the acid attack case that befell Andrie Yunus.

Komnas HAM urges the TNI Commander to examine former BAIS Head Lieutenant General Yudi Abrimantyo regarding the acid attack case on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. See the full statement here.

The deepening is being conducted by gathering information from various parties.

Amnesty International Indonesia has urged the President and DPR to immediately form a fact-finding team (TPF) to ensure the legal process runs transparently and accountably.

The recovery process for KontraS activist Andrie Yunus is estimated to take two years. Andrie Yunus became a victim of an acid attack allegedly carried out by rogue TNI members in early March 2026.