Indonesian soldiers jailed for up to 3 years over ‘arrogant’ acid attack on activist

Four Indonesian soldiers from the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) have been sentenced to up to three years in prison by a military court for a premeditated acid attack. The attack, which occurred in March, left activist Andrie Yunus, 27, blind in one eye. A judge described the soldiers' actions as "arrogant." The soldiers were arrested shortly after the incident. Following the arrests, the head of BAIS, Yudi Abrimantyo, stepped down, which officials stated was a "form of responsibility."

An Indonesian military court has sentenced four officers from the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) for a premeditated acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus. The attack, which occurred on March 12 in Jakarta, left Yunus blind in one eye and with severe burns. Prosecutors argued the officers were motivated by anger over Yunus's activism, which campaigns against the growing role of the army. The four defendants received sentences ranging from 1.5 to three years in jail. The trial drew significant attention due to concerns about repression and democratic backsliding in Indonesia.

Four Indonesian soldiers are on trial in a military court in Jakarta for an acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus on March 12. Yunus, who had campaigned against the military's expanding role in civilian governance, suffered severe burns and blindness in one eye. Prosecutors allege the soldiers, linked to the military's Strategic Intelligence Agency, were motivated by anger over Yunus's activism but were not acting under official orders. The attack has drawn national and international condemnation, with experts viewing it as part of a pattern of repression amid concerns about democratic backsliding in Indonesia. The trial began on April 30, 2026.