Jakarta – A senior Indonesian military officer has stepped down in the wake of an acid attack on an activist who publicly opposed the increasing role of the military in civilian life, a spokesperson confirmed Thursday.
Acid Attack and Military Response
Andrie Yunus, a deputy coordinator with the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence – known as KontraS – sustained burns to 20% of his face and body when he was attacked by assailants on a motorcycle on March 12. The attack prompted widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally, with UN human rights chief Volker Turk calling it a “cowardly act of violence.”
Military spokesperson Aulia Dwi Nasrullah stated that Yudi Abrimantyo, the chief of the military’s intelligence unit, relinquished his position as a demonstration of responsibility for the attack. Four officers from the intelligence unit have been arrested in connection with the incident. Punishments for those found guilty could range from disciplinary action to dishonorable discharge.
Growing Concerns Over Military Expansion
The incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing concern regarding democratic values in Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy. Under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto, a retired general, the military’s involvement in civilian areas and state-run businesses has reportedly increased significantly.
President Subianto himself described the attack on Andrie Yunus as “terrorism” and pledged a thorough investigation with no impunity. Hundreds of civil society groups, including Amnesty International, have characterized the attack as attempted murder.
Andrie Yunus remains hospitalized in Jakarta, currently in intensive care after undergoing surgery on Wednesday to address injuries to his right eye and to receive skin grafts to his eye, chest, and shoulder.
Calls for Independent Investigation
KontraS has urged President Subianto to establish an independent team to investigate the case, advocating for prosecution in civil courts rather than military courts. This call echoes a similar demand made earlier this week by Human Rights Watch. KontraS and other groups emphasized that the crime occurred in a civilian space, separate from military operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KontraS?
KontraS is the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, a rights group in Indonesia. Andrie Yunus is a deputy coordinator with the organization.
What was the response from the Indonesian military?
The Indonesian military arrested four officers from the intelligence unit in connection with the attack. Yudi Abrimantyo, the chief of the military’s intelligence unit, relinquished his position as a demonstration of responsibility.
What is the condition of Andrie Yunus?
Andrie Yunus is currently hospitalized in Jakarta in intensive care, recovering from surgery to treat injuries to his right eye and skin grafts to his eye, chest, and shoulder areas.
As investigations continue, will the pursuit of justice for Andrie Yunus lead to broader reforms regarding the role of the military in Indonesian society?
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