Prosecutors Seek Jail Terms for Indonesian Soldiers in Acid Attack Case

Jakarta — Indonesian military prosecutors on Wednesday sought prison sentences of two-and-a-half years for four soldiers accused of carrying out an acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus.

Yunus, a member of rights group KontraS, suffered severe injuries and lost sight in one eye after two men on a motorcycle threw acid at him in March shortly after he recorded a podcast discussing the military’s role in government.

The four defendants, all members of Indonesia’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), are charged with premeditated assault. Prosecutors told a military court in Jakarta that the attack was an act of personal revenge rather than an operation ordered by military superiors.

According to prosecutors, the accused were angered by Yunus and another activist’s protest against revisions to Indonesia’s military law, which expanded the number of government institutions that can employ active-duty military personnel.

The case drew national attention after BAIS chief Yudi Abrimantyo stepped down following the arrests. Rights groups have called for the proceedings to be moved to a civilian court, citing concerns about transparency and accountability.

The court is expected to continue hearing arguments before delivering a verdict.