Indonesia: Military Intelligence Chief Resigns After Acid Attack on Activist
Indonesia’s Military Intelligence Chief Resigns Amid Acid Attack Investigation
The head of Indonesia’s military intelligence agency, Yudi Abrimantyo, has stepped down following the arrest of four soldiers linked to a brutal acid attack on Andrie Yunus, a prominent activist known for his criticism of the Indonesian military’s expanding influence in government. The resignation, described by a military spokesman as a “form of responsibility,” comes as investigations continue into the attack and raises questions about accountability within the armed forces. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and calls for an independent investigation.
The Attack and Initial Arrests
Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of KontraS – a rights group investigating forced disappearances – sustained burns to over 20% of his body when he was splashed with acid by two assailants on a scooter earlier this month. The attack occurred immediately after Yunus finished recording a podcast discussing the military’s growing role in Indonesian politics. BBC News reports that the attack has unleashed a new wave of concern, with protests held in support of Yunus.
Authorities quickly moved to arrest four members of the military’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), the unit responsible for gathering intelligence. These soldiers remain in custody as of Thursday, March 26, 2026. Police have also detained two additional suspects, but the precise connection between these individuals and the four soldiers remains unclear. Reuters notes that authorities have yet to clarify the links between all six suspects.
Resignation and Calls for Independent Inquiry
Yudi Abrimantyo’s resignation on Wednesday was presented by military spokesman Aulia Dwi Nasrullah as a demonstration of accountability. Still, details surrounding the decision remain sparse, and the identity of Abrimantyo’s replacement has not been announced. The lack of transparency has fueled concerns among rights advocates.
Amnesty International Indonesia has characterized the case as exhibiting “political undertones” and highlighted “conflicting facts” emerging from separate investigations conducted by the police and the military. The organization is urging President Prabowo Subianto to establish an independent investigative team and to transfer the case to a civilian court. Usman Hamid, Amnesty’s director, stated that the meaning of Yudi’s resignation and the direction of the investigation remain unclear.
Background: KontraS and the Expanding Military Role
KontraS, the organization where Andrie Yunus works, has a long history of investigating human rights abuses and advocating for accountability, particularly concerning cases of forced disappearances. Yunus himself is a vocal critic of a recent revision to Indonesia’s military law, which expands the roles of military officers within the government. This controversial bill, passed last year, is at the heart of the debate surrounding the military’s increasing influence.
The expansion of the military’s role has raised concerns about the potential erosion of civilian oversight and democratic principles. Human Rights Watch, in its latest report on Indonesia, has documented “further democratic backsliding, crackdowns on protests, media censorship, and intimidation of activists” under President Prabowo Subianto, a retired general. Reuters reports that Prabowo has vowed to “uphold the law” regardless of who is responsible for the attack.
How the Indonesian Military Justice System Works
The case against the four detained soldiers will be handled within the Indonesian military justice system, according to TNI Military Police Commander Major General Yusri Nuryanto. This decision is based on Law No. 3 of 2025 concerning the Indonesian Military (TNI), which stipulates that criminal offenses involving active-duty TNI personnel are to be processed through military court proceedings. Tempo.co reports that military court proceedings are generally open to the public.
The TNI Military Police Center has confirmed that the suspects could face charges under Article 467 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code, covering assault, with potential prison sentences ranging from four to seven years. The motive for the attack remains under investigation, with authorities examining evidence, questioning witnesses, and reviewing case files.
What Happens Next?
The immediate next steps involve the ongoing investigation by military police and the preparation of case files for military prosecutors. The TNI has pledged a thorough and transparent investigation, promising to make each stage of the process public. However, the call for an independent investigation, led by civilians, remains unanswered. The outcome of the military trial, and whether it will satisfy concerns about impartiality and accountability, remains to be seen. The case is likely to continue to draw international scrutiny and fuel debate about the balance of power between the military and civilian authorities in Indonesia.