GENEVA - UN experts* today expressed dismay about the use of military court proceedings in the acid attack case targeting Indonesian human rights defender Andrie Yunus and called for a public trial under the civilian justice system.
"The use of a military trial in a case involving an extreme and targeted acid attack on a civilian raises serious concern regarding accountability, independence and transparency," the experts said.
On 12 March 2026, Andrie Yunus was subjected to an acid attack in Central Jakarta, immediately after recording a podcast on the militarisation of civil and political affairs in Indonesia. The attack has caused severe and permanent injuries requiring long-term treatment, including acid burns affecting the eyes, skin and joints.
Four members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces were detained, subsequently charged and have been on trial before Military Court II-08 Jakarta since 29 April 2026.
"The processing of this case through the military justice system risks perpetuating longstanding patterns of impunity and fragmented accountability in Indonesia's dual justice system, particularly in cases involving alleged human rights violations by military personnel," the experts said.
They underscored that military courts in Indonesia have historically resulted in limited public access and lacked mechanisms to ensure accountability for higher-ranking officials.
"The decision to issue the defendants with a lesser charge of 'premeditated aggravated assault' does not adequately account for the severity and impact of this life-threatening attack. The framing of the crime as a 'personal vendetta' obscures the identification of the intellectual authors behind this premeditated attack and dilutes institutional responsibility," the experts said.
They called for investigation and prosecution of this grave attack within the civilian justice system to guarantee impartiality, transparency and public scrutiny, in line with international human rights standards. They also urged the Government of Indonesia to ensure Yunus' protection and continued access to specialised medical care.
The experts remain in contact with the Government of Indonesia on this matter.
