Indonesian Military Officers Charged for Acid Attack on Rights Activist

Indonesian Military Prosecutors Charge Four Officers Over Acid Attack

Four officers have been charged by Indonesian military prosecutors for their alleged involvement in an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, a rights activist campaigning against the expanding public role of the armed forces. The attack occurred on March 12, leaving Yunus with burns to 20% of his face and body.

Military prosecutor Mohammad Iswadi stated during a hearing at a military court that the four officers from the intelligence unit felt affronted by Yunus’ protest last year against legal changes allowing more military officers in civilian government posts. The suspects used a mixture of car battery acid and rust remover to attack Yunus, who suffered permanent scarring and damage to his right eye.

The incident drew local and international condemnation. Komnas HAM, Indonesia’s top human rights watchdog, said there were at least 14 people linked to the attack. It urged police to investigate the other 10 alleged perpetrators in civilian courts.

Concerns about the erosion of democratic values have grown in Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, with the military’s involvement in civilian areas and state-run businesses increasing significantly. Prabowo described the attack on Yunus as an act of “terrorism” and pledged a thorough investigation.