Trial begins for four Indonesian soldiers in acid attack case in Jakarta

International Desk: PNN

A military court in Jakarta has begun the trial of four Indonesian soldiers accused of carrying out an acid attack on a human rights activist.

The accused are Edy Sudarko, Budi Haryanto Widhi Kahyono, Nandala Dwi Prasetya, and Sami Lakka. They are charged with planning and executing an acid attack on a human rights activist.

Military prosecutors told the court that the defendants face charges of premeditated serious assault, which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison under Indonesian criminal law.

The accused are being represented by military lawyers and have not denied the charges, allowing the trial to proceed.

The incident occurred on March 12 when Andre Yunus, deputy coordinator of the human rights organization KontraS, was riding a motorcycle in Jakarta.

According to allegations, two people on another motorcycle threw acid at him and fled.

Andre Yunus suffered burns on about 20% of his body and lost vision in one eye, prosecutors said.

CCTV footage helped investigators identify suspects, leading to multiple arrests, including four main suspects.

The accused were reportedly linked to Indonesia’s military strategic intelligence agency. However, authorities said the attack was not officially ordered and stemmed from personal motives.

At the time of the attack, Andre Yunus had just finished recording a podcast criticizing military policies and had been vocal against expanding military roles under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.

Human rights groups condemned the attack, saying it could create fear among people exercising freedom of expression.

The National Human Rights Commission is also investigating the case and said more individuals may be involved.

The next court hearing is scheduled for May 6, when witness testimonies will be presented.