An Indonesian military officer has stepped down from his position following an acid attack on an activist known for opposing the increased role of the military, a spokesman said on Thursday.
Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), a human rights organization, suffered burns on 20% of his face and body after being sprayed with acid by assailants on motorcycles on March 12.
The incident has sparked condemnation both nationally and internationally. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, described the attack as a “cowardly act”.
The army spokesman, Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, confirmed to Reuters that Yudi Abrimantyo, head of military intelligence, had been “reassigned” as a sign of accountability for the attack.
The Indonesian army had previously announced the arrest of four officers, all members of the intelligence services. If found guilty, the sanctions could range from disciplinary measures to dishonorable discharge, Aulia clarified.
Yudi, who could not be immediately reached by Reuters for comment, is not among the four suspects arrested.
Concerns about the erosion of democratic values are increasing in Indonesia, the third largest democracy in the world. Military involvement in civilian affairs and public enterprises has significantly increased under the administration of retired general President Prabowo Subianto.
During a roundtable discussion last week, Prabowo called the attack on Andrie “terrorism”, pledging to conduct a thorough investigation and not allow any impunity.
Hundreds of civil society organizations, including Amnesty International, argue that the attack on Andrie constitutes an attempted murder. Shortly before the incident, the activist had recorded a podcast specifically addressing the expansion of military influence.
Andrie has been hospitalized in Jakarta since the attack. According to KontraS, he is currently in intensive care after undergoing surgery on Wednesday to treat injuries to his right eye, as well as skin grafts on his face, chest, and shoulder.
In response to the officer’s departure, KontraS has urged Prabowo to establish an independent investigative team, stating that the case should be judged by civilian courts rather than military ones, echoing a call made earlier this week by Human Rights Watch.
“What happened to Andrie Yunus is a serious crime committed in a civilian space, outside any military work context or national defense operations,” KontraS and other civil society groups said in a joint statement.
