Full Breakdown
Indonesian Military Court Sentences Four Officers for Acid Attack on Human Rights Activist
6/10/2026, 11:50:19 PM
Acid Attack Verdict: Military Court Sentences Four Officers
On 10 June 2026 a Jakarta military court found four members of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) guilty of serious pre-meditated assault for the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS). Sentences ranged from three years (the heaviest) to 1½ years, with the two officers who threw acid also dishonourably discharged. The court ordered the destruction of the CCTV footage, the USB drive containing it, a car battery and the acid container used in the assault.
Background: Military Influence and Andrie Yunus’ Advocacy
Yunus, 27, has publicly criticised President Prabowo Subianto’s drive to expand the Indonesian military’s role in civilian governance. A 2025 parliamentary amendment increased the number of ministries where active-duty soldiers may serve from ten to fourteen, a change Yunus opposed. He also accused the armed forces of orchestrating nationwide protests in August 2025 and disrupted a closed-door parliamentary meeting in March 2025 that discussed the amendment.
Key Figures
- Andrie Yunus – Human-rights activist, KontraS deputy coordinator.
- Edi Sudarko, Budi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, Nandala Dwi Prasetya, Sami Lakka – BAIS officers (ranks: second sergeant, first lieutenant, captain, first lieutenant).
- Fredy Ferdian Isnartanto – Presiding judge.
- Yudi Abrimantyo – Former head of BAIS, resigned after the attack.
- Usman Hamid – Executive director, Amnesty International Indonesia.
- Volker Türk – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
- Mary Lawlor – UN Special Rapporteur on human-rights defenders.
Timeline of Events
- Mar 2025 – Yunus interrupts a parliamentary meeting on the military-law amendment.
- Aug 2025 – Nationwide protests; Yunus alleges military involvement.
- 12 Mar 2026 – Yunus attacked on a Jakarta motorcycle; acid splashed on his face, blinding one eye and burning >20 % of his body.
- Apr 2026 – Military court trial begins in Jakarta.
- 9 Jun 2026 – Parliament passes a revision to the national police law, expanding police powers.
- 10 Jun 2026 – Sentencing delivered; evidence destroyed.
Sentencing Details and Evidence Handling
The court imposed three years, 2½ years, two years and 1½ years (Reuters) – or one year for the fourth officer (ABC) – highlighting a reporting discrepancy. Two defendants were dishonourably discharged. The court ordered the destruction of the CCTV recording, the USB drive, a car battery, a rust-remover bottle and the acid container to prevent reuse.
Official Statements & Responses
The military spokesperson framed the chief’s resignation as a “form of responsibility.” Prosecutor Wasinton Marpaung described the assault as an “extrajudicial act of revenge” but maintained the soldiers acted on personal initiative, not orders. UN officials condemned the attack as “cowardly” and “horrific.” Human-rights minister Natalius Pigai reiterated the president’s view that the assault is “an act of terror against civilians” and urged continued investigation.
Criticism & Opposition
Amnesty International Indonesia called the verdict a “blatant whitewash” that “fails to duly consider the involvement of other actors or the chain of command.” Civil-society groups and UN experts urged that the case be tried in a civilian court, noting Yunus’ refusal to attend the military proceedings over health concerns and distrust.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Sentence length for the fourth officer varies between 1 year (ABC) and 1½ years (Reuters).
- No higher-ranking officials have been identified or charged despite independent investigations suggesting at least 14 individuals were involved.
- The destruction of key evidence limits independent verification of the assault’s details.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The attack stemmed from the defendants' own initiative and spontaneity,” — Judge Fredy Ferdian Isnartanto
- “The actions of the defendants constitute an extrajudicial act of revenge,” — Prosecutor Wasinton Marpaung
- “Today’s verdict downplays the severity and impact of the life-threatening attack on Andrie,” — Usman Hamid, Amnesty International Indonesia
- “cowardly act of violence” — Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
- “One of the judges on the panel, Mokhamad Zainal Abidin, said that the defendants had “only intended to teach (Andrie) a lesson” so he would “no longer trample upon and demean” the military.” — Judge Mokhamad Zainal Abidin
Outlook: Ongoing Investigations and Potential Appeals
The defendants’ lawyers have signalled an appeal. Police have been ordered to continue probing the attack, and international human-rights bodies are monitoring whether further accountability for senior military officials will be pursued.
