Indonesian Military Launches Probe Into Acid Attack on Andrie Yunus

The Indonesian Military (TNI) has launched an internal investigation into the acid attack on KontraS Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus, responding to public concerns about potential military involvement in the incident.

TNI Investigates Acid Attack on Human Rights Advocate

Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, Head of the TNI Information Center, said the military will examine any alleged participation of its members. “We will investigate the alleged involvement of TNI personnel,” he said Tuesday evening in Jakarta.

Aulia stated the investigation is a response to growing public scrutiny and aims to prevent the spread of unverified information. “We are responding to public concerns, so an internal investigation is necessary,” he said.

The TNI will conduct the inquiry using its internal procedures, involving multiple units, and will ensure the process is professional and transparent. “We will carry it out professionally, without rushing, and in accordance with TNI regulations,” Aulia said, adding that journalists would be allowed to report on the findings.

Meanwhile, the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD), representing Andrie Yunus, has urged police to investigate a potential systematic pattern behind the attack, suggesting more than just the two identified individuals were involved. “We believe there is also an intellectual actor behind this,” TAUD lawyer Fadhil Alfathan said Monday.

Fadhil added that the attack appeared highly coordinated, with assigned roles for surveillance and execution, and called on authorities to identify the mastermind.

Investigators have traced four suspected perpetrators believed to have monitored Andrie’s movements prior to the attack, according to Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, Director of General Criminal Investigation at Polda Metro Jaya. “We will continue all possible efforts to uncover the case,” Iman said.

The attack occurred on Jalan Salemba I-Talang, Central Jakarta, on Thursday night, March 12, 2026. Two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle approached Andrie and sprayed him with acid. The corrosive substance severely affected the right side of his body, including his eyes, face, chest, and hands, melting some of his clothes. Medical examinations showed severe burns covering 24 percent of his body, and Andrie is currently undergoing treatment.

Vedro Imanuel Girsang contributed to this article.