TNI Intelligence Chief Hands Over Position; Usman Hamid: We Have the Right to Know What Happened
Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, Usman Hamid, has emphasised that the decision by TNI’s Kabais Lieutenant General Yudi Abrimantyo to hand over his position in the wake of the acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus is not enough. According to him, the handover leaves questions as to whether it was a voluntary resignation or a forced dismissal.
“The handover of the position of Head of BAIS is not sufficient. It must be followed up with legal accountability from the individual concerned. We have the right to know what really happened and what his role was in the attack on Andrie Yunus,” Usman stated in his remarks on Thursday (26/3/2026).
Usman questioned the statement from the TNI’s Head of Information Centre, which described the step as a form of accountability. In his view, the public needs clarity on whether this is moral, institutional, or legal responsibility.
“What accountability? If it is legal accountability, will he be brought to a legal process? Will he be suspended from his military service so that the legal process can proceed freely? We must raise these questions,” he stressed.
Usman underlined the importance of revealing the truth behind the acid attack incident. He questioned whether there was a direct order and on what basis it was given. According to him, the handover should not just become a symbol of responsibility without touching the substance of the case.
Furthermore, Usman highlighted the military justice system, which he considers still difficult to demonstrate independence and objectivity compared to the general courts. The lack of clarity on Lieutenant General Yudi’s legal status after the handover is seen as exposing gaps in accountability within the military environment.
“It should not just show an attitude of responsibility without revealing the truth. There must be transparency regarding what really happened behind the handover,” Usman added.
Previously, TNI Headquarters stated that the position of Head of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (Kabais), held by Lieutenant General TNI Yudi Abrimantyo, has been handed over, as a result of the investigation into the acid attack case on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. However, TNI has not yet explained the matter in detail.
“So we need to convey here that as a form of accountability, today the handover of the Kabais position has been carried out,” said the Head of Information Centre (Kapuspen) of TNI Headquarters, Major General TNI Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, during a press conference at TNI Headquarters, Jakarta, on Wednesday (25/3). (H-4)
Imparsial assessed that the handover of the position of Head of the TNI’s Strategic Intelligence Agency or Kabais without an official transparent explanation.