Indonesian military prosecutors have charged four soldiers from the Strategic Intelligence Unit with premeditated assault. The charges follow their act of throwing acid at a human rights activist, causing blindness and severe injuries, reportedly because they were angered by his criticism of the military's expanding role under President Prabowo's administration.
Indonesian military prosecutors have formally filed charges against four military personnel, accusing them of jointly planning a premeditated assault in the case of Andri Yunus, a 27-year-old activist and deputy coordinator of the human rights group KontraS, who was severely injured and lost his vision after being attacked with acid.
Military prosecutor Mohammad Iswadi stated in the indictment that the four defendants, who belong to the military's Strategic Intelligence Unit, harbored resentment toward Andri because he led criticism and opposition against legislation that allowed active-duty soldiers to hold positions in civilian ministries and agencies.
The prosecutors said the military group viewed Andri's actions as "trampling on and insulting the military institution." The incident occurred shortly after Andri recorded a podcast criticizing the policy of "militarizing the government" under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, a former prominent general.
In court, prosecutors revealed that the defendants planned the attack at a military residence in Jakarta, where one defendant mixed "rust remover" from a military workshop with "car battery acid," then followed Andri on a motorcycle and threw the chemical at him while he was riding his motorbike.
The attack caused Andri severe injuries, with 20-24% of his facial, neck, and torso skin burned, and resulted in complete blindness in his right eye.
Although the four defendants—Adi Sudargo, Budi Hariyanto, Nandala Dwi Prasetia, and Sami Lakka—did not deny the charges and are prepared to face trial, human rights groups and Andri himself have called for the case to be transferred to a civilian court.
The Indonesian National Human Rights Commission expressed concern that a military trial might result in lighter penalties for the defendants and lack public oversight. They also urged the police to investigate at least 10 other individuals possibly involved, according to secret investigation reports.
The case has gained international attention as a symbol of threats to freedom of expression under President Prabowo's government. Although the president condemned the attack as "terrorism" and promised a thorough investigation, the military's growing role in civilian administration remains a concern for democratic backsliding in Indonesia.
If found guilty, the four defendants could face up to 12 years in prison. The next hearing is scheduled for 6 May to continue witness examination.
. Reuters/ AFP