The Indonesian military has detained four soldiers suspected of involvement in a brutal acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus, who has criticised the armed forces’ expanding role in government.
Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), suffered severe chemical burns covering roughly 24% of his body after the assault in Central Jakarta. The attack occurred on the evening of 12th March 2026.
Andrie had just finished recording a podcast at the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) about remilitarisation and the judicial review of military law in Indonesia. As he rode his motorcycle along Jalan Salemba I–Talang around 23:37, two unidentified men on a motorcycle approached and threw acid at him. He fell and experienced intense pain before being rushed to Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, where medical examinations confirmed burns to his face, right eye, hands, chest, and other areas, including significant vision impairment in one eye.
On 18th March 2026, Major General Yusri Nuryanto, Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces Military Police, announced that four soldiers from the military’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS TNI) had been detained. The suspects, from the army, navy, and air force, include NDP (captain), SL (first lieutenant), BHW (first lieutenant), and ES (second sergeant). They are held at a maximum-security facility under military police custody for further investigation.
An internal military probe uncovered “some irregularities” that prompted the detentions, Yusri said, adding, “We are still investigating the motives of the four alleged perpetrators.” The case will be handled through the military justice system in line with relevant laws.
Separately, Jakarta police released CCTV footage showing two suspected assailants, identified by initials BHC and MAK. Police reported that footage analysis indicated four suspects on two scooters had followed Andrie prior to the attack. Forensic examination of evidence, including a motorcycle helmet and acid container, is ongoing in collaboration with military authorities.
The assault has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about intimidation of activists under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Prabowo, a retired general in office since 2024, has faced criticism from groups such as Human Rights Watch for democratic backsliding, including crackdowns on protests, media censorship, and threats to civil society.
Andrie had been vocal about a controversial revision to Indonesia’s military law passed last year, which expands military roles in civilian affairs, and had investigated authorities’ handling of violent anti-government protests. In the days before the attack, he reportedly received intimidation, including calls from unknown numbers, according to civil society coalitions. The incident triggered weekend protests supporting Andrie and calling for an independent investigation.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed being “deeply concerned” by the “horrific” attack and urged accountability. KontraS described it as an “attempt to silence critical voices.” A presidential spokesperson stated that Prabowo ordered an “objective, open and expeditious investigation.” Lawmakers have formed a special committee to oversee the case, while rights advocates continue pressing for transparency to prevent impunity.
Andrie remains in stable condition at Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Jakarta, receiving treatment for his injuries.
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