TNI BAIS Chief Resigns in Wake of Andrie Yunus Acid Attack Case
The Indonesian National Armed Forces Headquarters has confirmed that the Head of the Strategic Intelligence Agency, Lieutenant General Yudi Abrimantyo, has handed over his position. The TNI Information Centre Chief, Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, stated that the leadership change at BAIS TNI is a consequence of the acid attack case against human rights activist Andrie Yunus.
“As a form of accountability, today the handover of the BAIS Chief’s position has been carried out,” said Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah at TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
The two-star general did not provide further details on the BAIS TNI leadership change, including who the high-ranking officer replacing Yudi is.
Yudi Abrimantyo has served as BAIS TNI Chief since March 2024. He is a 1989 Military Academy graduate and joined the Special Forces Command (Kopassus) infantry.
Previously, Andrie Yunus, who frequently criticised the TNI Law and the expansion of the military’s role in civilian spaces, was doused with acid while riding a motorcycle on Jalan Salemba I, Central Jakarta, on Thursday night, 12 March 2026.
The Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) was attacked with a dangerous solution by two unidentified individuals. The perpetrators rode a motorcycle approaching from the opposite direction to Andrie.
The corrosive chemical liquid affected the right side of Andrie’s body, including his eye, face, chest, and hand. Part of the victim’s clothing also melted due to the acid.
Medical examination results showed Andrie suffered serious burns covering 24 percent of his body. He is currently undergoing treatment at the National Central General Hospital Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo.
The Indonesian National Police and TNI are each investigating the case. However, the findings from the two institutions differ. The Metro Jaya Police stated there are two suspects with initials BHC and MAK.
Meanwhile, the TNI revealed there are four suspected perpetrators involved in the acid attack on Andrie Yunus. The four are Captain NDP, First Lieutenant SL, First Lieutenant BHW, and Second Sergeant ES.
The TNI Military Police Centre claims the four suspected perpetrators have been detained on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. TNI Information Centre Chief Aulia Dwi Nasrullah stated that the investigation into the acid attack on Andrie Yunus is still ongoing.
“We ask for patience until the entire investigation process by the TNI Military Police investigators is completed,” said Aulia in a previous statement.