A military court in Indonesia has sentenced four soldiers to prison terms of up to three years for a premeditated acid attack on a human rights activist. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Jakarta.
Details of the Attack
The four soldiers, all members of the military's Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), were found guilty of assaulting Andrie Yunus, a 27-year-old activist who lost sight in one eye as a result of the attack in March 2026. The victims had been critical of the perceived militarization of the government.
Sentences and Reaction
The convicted soldiers are Sergeant Second Class Edi Sudarko, 45; Lieutenant First Class Budi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, 43; Captain Nandala Dwi Prasetia, 40; and Lieutenant First Class Sami Lakka, 41. Presiding Judge Fredy Ferdian Isnartanto described their actions as "arrogant conduct."
Military prosecutors argued that the soldiers acted on their own initiative, not under orders. They were reportedly angered by Andrie and another activist who interrupted a lawmaker's meeting in 2025 to protest a revision to Indonesia's armed forces law. The amendment, passed last year, expanded the number of government positions open to active-duty military personnel from 10 to 14 ministries and state institutions.
Criticism and Demands for Civilian Trial
Andrie Yunus and other activists had called for the trial to be held in a civilian court rather than a military one, citing fears of a cover-up in a country where attacks on activists often go unpunished. Andrie refused to attend any of the trial hearings, citing health reasons and distrust in the court system.
Critics argue that the real masterminds behind the attack have not been identified and may never be brought to justice. The head of BAIS, Yudi Abrimantyo, stepped down shortly after the attack, which officials said was a "form of responsibility."
