Clashing Accounts from Military and Police, Andrie Yunus Case Questioned

TheIndonesia.co - The acid attack on KontraS deputy coordinator Andrie Yunus has raised serious concerns over the safety of activists in Indonesia and the integrity of the legal process. The case has drawn wider attention amid allegations of military involvement and growing questions over transparency in the investigation.

Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, Usman Hamid, has criticised the handling of the case, describing it as politically driven and lacking a clear legal basis.

He said that more than a week after the attack, law enforcement efforts appear slow and irregular.
“It is not due to technical or administrative constraints, but rather reflects strong political and non-judicial elements,” Usman said in a statement on Thursday (26 March 2026).

Usman also questioned the Indonesian military’s decision to replace the head of BAIS, which was presented as a form of accountability. He argued that such a move should instead be followed by legal accountability through civilian courts.
“It should be directed towards judicial accountability in the general court system,” he said.

Confusion has also emerged between statements from the police and the military regarding the alleged perpetrators. Police previously identified two suspects, while the military later named four personnel—NDP, SL, BHW, and ES—without clarifying their respective roles or the evidence involved.

“We are concerned that the police and military are working separately, leading to conflicting accounts,” Usman added.

Calls for independent inquiry

In response, Usman called on the government to establish an independent fact-finding team involving law enforcement, civil society, and credible public figures. He also urged parliament to take part through relevant commissions.

“Without strong parliamentary involvement, there is a risk the case could stall. An independent team is urgently needed to ensure an objective and impartial investigation,” he said.

He further emphasised that the case should be tried in civilian courts, in line with existing regulations requiring military personnel accused of common crimes to face the general justice system.

“This is not merely an attempted murder case. It is a form of systematic terror aimed at silencing critical voices and undermining constitutional rights,” Usman said.

Military response

The Indonesian military has since confirmed a leadership change within BAIS following the incident. Military spokesperson Aulia Dwi Nasrullah said the move was intended as a form of public accountability.

Earlier, Military Police Commander Yusri Nuryanto stated that four soldiers—identified as NDP, SL, BHW, and ES—had been named as suspects and are currently being detained at Pomdam Jaya. The investigation remains ongoing.