Full Breakdown
Trial of Four Indonesian Military Personnel for Acid Attack on Human Rights Activist Andrie Yunus
4/30/2026, 12:46:13 AM
Trial Commences in Military Court
On 29 April 2026 a Jakarta military court opened proceedings against four members of the Indonesian armed forces—Edi Sudarko, Budi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, Nandala Dwi Prasetia and Sami Lakka. Prosecutors charged them with serious pre-meditated assault, a crime punishable by up to 12 years’ imprisonment.
Background: Activism and Military Role Expansion
Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), had recently recorded a podcast denouncing the perceived militarisation of Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto. His criticism targeted a 2025 amendment that expanded the presence of active-duty military personnel from ten to fourteen ministries and state agencies, sparking nationwide debate over civilian oversight of the armed forces.
Key Figures and Organizations
- Andrie Yunus – Human-rights lawyer and KontraS activist.
- Accused – Sudarko (45), Cahyono (43), Prasetia (40), Lakka (41), all assigned to the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS).
- Strategic Intelligence Agency – Military intelligence unit whose chief resigned after the arrests.
- Komnas HAM – Indonesia’s human-rights watchdog, reporting at least 14 individuals linked to the attack.
- President Prabowo Subianto – Former general, labelled the assault “terrorism.”
- Amnesty International Indonesia – Represented by executive director Usman Hamid.
Data and Statistics
- Injuries: burns covering 20 %–24 % of Yunus’s body, severe facial scarring, and permanent loss of sight in his right eye.
- Acid mixture: “rust removal fluid” combined with battery fluid, according to prosecutors; another report cites hydrochloric acid.
- Legal exposure: maximum 12-year sentence; four officers hold ranks from captain to second sergeant.
- Linked suspects: Komnas HAM cites at least 14 participants, urging investigation of ten additional individuals in civilian courts.
Official Statements & Responses
Military prosecutor Mohammad Iswadi asserted the defendants acted out of personal anger toward Yunus’s activism, not on orders. President Prabowo described the assault as “terrorism” and promised a thorough investigation. Presiding judge Fredy Isnartanto reminded Yunus of his civic duty to appear in court and warned the panel could compel his attendance.
Criticism & Opposition
Amnesty International Indonesia condemned the trial’s confinement to a military court, arguing the “case has been narrowed to just four individuals, without transparency.” Komnas HAM warned that military jurisdiction may lead to lenient treatment and called for the remaining suspects to face civilian prosecution.
On-the-Ground Report of the Attack
On the evening of 12 March, Yunus rode his motorbike through central Jakarta when two assailants on a second motorbike sprayed him with a vial of acid. The chemical burned his face, neck, torso and limbs, blinded his right eye and required multiple surgeries.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Injury extent: sources list 20 % and 24 % of body surface area burned.
- Acid type: some reports describe a rust-remover/battery-fluid blend; others mention hydrochloric acid.
- Motivation: prosecutors label the motive “personal anger,” while Amnesty frames it as a “personal-revenge” narrative.
- Suspect count: initial CCTV identified two other individuals, but they were never charged; Komnas HAM notes at least 14 participants.
- Ranks: descriptions vary from “soldiers” to specific ranks (captain to second sergeant).
Verbatim Quotes
- “The suspects deemed Andrie Yunus to have insulted and stomped on the military as an institution,” — Mohammad Iswadi, Military Prosecutor
- “The actions of the defendants who threw chemical liquid on Andrie Yunus, resulting in the loss of sight in his right eye and severe burns with no hope of complete recovery, were inappropriate actions for members of the TNI,” — Mohammad Iswandi, Military Prosecutor
- “This case has been narrowed to just four individuals, without transparency, while the motive is framed as personal,” — Usman Hamid, Executive Director, Amnesty International Indonesia
- “It is difficult to accept that state facilities were used solely for personal revenge,” — Usman Hamid, Amnesty International Indonesia
- “If not, I have the authority to compel his appearance.” — Fredy Isnartanto, Presiding Judge
What’s Next
The court will reconvene on 6 May to hear witness testimony. President Prabowo has signalled interest in establishing an independent fact-finding team, while human-rights groups continue to press for civilian jurisdiction over the remaining suspects.
