TAUD: Replacement of TNI BAIS Head Not a Solution to Andrie Yunus Case
The Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) has highlighted the replacement of the Head of the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS TNI) in the aftermath of the acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus. This civil society coalition views the leadership change at BAIS TNI as insufficient to constitute adequate accountability.
TAUD consists of several non-governmental organisations urging the government to uncover the chain of command behind the acid attack on Andrie Yunus. They include KontraS, the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute, LBH Pers, Amar Law Firm, Imparsial, Trend Asia, and Greenpeace Indonesia.
According to TAUD, accountability in this human rights violation case should not be limited to a single position. Moreover, the military’s hierarchical structure means the chain of command involves more complex layers of leadership.
“The absence of explanations regarding accountability in the command structure strongly suggests an effort to partially and selectively cover up responsibility,” said YLBHI Chairman Muhammad Isnur, quoting TAUD’s latest press release on Thursday, 26 March 2026.
TAUD is concerned that the approach, claimed as a form of accountability from one position, could obscure accountability at higher levels. Isnur stated that to address the complex chain of command, accountability should also involve the TNI Commander and the Minister of Defence.
Furthermore, the replacement of the BAIS head due to its members’ involvement in the attempted murder of Andrie Yunus is seen as unable to substitute for criminal legal processes. Isnur said sanctions should not merely involve removing unit superiors.
Especially if orders, approvals, or negligence by unit superiors are found in the attack on this civilian. Instead of just being replaced, TAUD urges the government to pursue further processing through applicable legal mechanisms.
“Removal from position without accompanying criminal accountability could become an internal mechanism that closes off accountability space and strengthens impunity practices,” he said.
Previously, TNI Headquarters stated that Lieutenant General Yudi Abrimantyo no longer holds the position of BAIS Head. TNI Information Centre Head Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah said this leadership change at BAIS TNI stems from the acid splashing case against human rights activist Andrie Yunus.
“As a form of accountability, today the handover of the BAIS Head position has been carried out,” Aulia said at TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
He did not provide further details on the BAIS TNI replacement, including the high-ranking officer replacing Yudi Abrimantyo.
Regarding investigation developments by authorities, police and TNI have differing results on the suspected perpetrators. Metro Jaya Police stated there are two suspects with initials BHC and MAK.
Meanwhile, TNI revealed four suspected perpetrators involved in the acid attack on Andrie Yunus. All four are from the BAIS TNI unit, including Captain NDP, First Lieutenant SL, First Lieutenant BHW, and Second Sergeant ES.
The TNI Military Police Centre claimed the four suspects were detained on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. Kapuspen TNI Aulia stated that the investigation process into the acid splashing case against KontraS Deputy Coordinator is still ongoing.
“Please wait until the entire investigation process by TNI Puspom investigators is completed,” Aulia said in a previous statement.
Andrie Yunus was splashed with acid while on Jalan Salemba I-Talang, Central Jakarta, on Thursday night, 12 March 2026, by two unidentified individuals. The two rode a motorcycle approaching from the opposite direction to the activist who vocally opposes the revision of the TNI Law.
The corrosive chemical liquid hit the right side of Andrie’s body, such as his eye, face, chest, and hand. Part of the victim’s clothing also melted due to the acid. Medical examination results show Andrie suffered serious burns covering 24 percent of his body. Andrie is currently undergoing treatment at the National Central General Hospital Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo.