An Indonesian military court has sentenced four military intelligence officers to prison for their involvement in an acid attack that left a prominent human rights activist partially blind and seriously injured.
The officers, all members of Indonesia’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), were found guilty of carrying out a premeditated assault against rights campaigner Andrie Yunus, a leading activist known for criticizing the military’s growing influence in civilian affairs.
The court handed prison terms ranging from one and a half to three years. One defendant received a three-year sentence, while the others were sentenced to two and a half years, two years, and one and a half years respectively.
Attack Left Activist Seriously Injured
Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), was attacked in Jakarta on March 12 while riding his motorcycle.
According to court findings, two men on a motorcycle threw acid at him, causing severe burns to more than 20 percent of his body and leaving him blind in one eye.
The attack sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and international organizations, raising concerns about the safety of activists and the state of civil liberties in Indonesia.
Prosecutors Cite Activism as Motive
During the trial, prosecutors argued that the officers targeted Yunus because of his activism and criticism of military involvement in government affairs.
However, prosecutors stated that the defendants were not acting under official military orders.
The presiding judge described the actions of the officers as arrogant and unlawful, finding them guilty of serious premeditated assault.
The offence carried a maximum prison sentence of 12 years.
Concerns Over Military Influence
The case attracted significant national and international attention amid growing debate about the role of the military in Indonesia’s political and civilian institutions.
Yunus has been a vocal critic of policies introduced under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, particularly measures that expand opportunities for active military personnel to occupy government positions.
Rights groups have warned that such policies could weaken democratic oversight and increase military influence in public administration.
International Condemnation
The attack was strongly condemned by the international community.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk described the assault as a cowardly act of violence, while UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor called the incident horrific and urged accountability for those responsible.
Activist Boycotted Trial
Yunus declined to attend the court proceedings, citing health concerns and a lack of confidence in the military justice system.
He had previously called for the case to be heard in a civilian court, expressing concerns that a military tribunal could fail to deliver full accountability.
The conviction of the four officers marks a rare instance in Indonesia where members of the security forces have been successfully prosecuted in connection with an attack on a human rights activist.
Observers say the case will remain a key test of Indonesia’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of civil society.
