CIVICUS condemns the inadequate and unjust sentences by the military for the acid attack on human rights defender Andrie Yunus. The global civil society alliance calls for the case to be taken up in the civilian justice system. Instead of serving as an effective deterrent, it will embolden those targeting activists in Indonesia. Those involved in the attack – including the masterminds – must be brought to justice.
On 12 March 2026, human rights defender Andrie Yunus was subjected to an acid attack in Central Jakarta, immediately after recording a podcast on the militarisation of civil and political affairs in Indonesia. The attack has caused severe and permanent injuries requiring long-term treatment, including acid burns affecting the eyes, skin, and joints.
Four members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces were detained, subsequently charged and have been sentenced between 1.5 to 3 years in prison.
The sentences reflect concerns raised right from the start by civil society that the military court will not deliver justice. A civil society investigation conducted by the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) identified at least 16 individuals involved in the attack. UN experts have condemned the attack and highlighted that military courts in Indonesia lack mechanisms to ensure accountability for high-ranking officials. The decision to issue the defendants a lesser charge of ‘premeditated aggravated assault’ does not adequately account for the impact of this life-threatening attack.
“CIVICUS calls on the government to try the case within the civilian justice system in line with international human rights law and standards. The investigation must ensure that all actors involved, including those who planned and executed the attack, are held to account. Failing to do so will only perpetuate a climate of impunity in Indonesia”, said Josef Benedict, Asia-Pacific Researcher for CIVICUS.
Civil society groups had raised concerns that the Military Prosecutor had sought lenient prison sentences for each of the four defendants. Further, the Military Prosecutor has also requested that the court order the destruction of the material evidence related to the attack against Andrie Yunus. Such a request could have serious implications for the pursuit of justice in the case.
CIVICUS welcomes reports that the South Jakarta District Court on 2 June ordered the police to continue investigation of the case. There were concerns that the police had stalled their investigation and ignored credible findings of an independent civil society investigation which indicates the possible involvement of other perpetrators in the crime.
“The police must ensure that they take their investigation into the crime seriously and ensure that civil society and the representatives are kept updated. State bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission and the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights must also monitor the investigation to ensure that it is taken independently and impartially,” added Benedict.
Civic space in Indonesia is rated obstructed by the CIVICUS Monitor.
