Four Military Personnel Detained in Connection With Acid Attack on Indonesian Activist

Jakarta. Indonesian authorities have taken four soldiers into custody on suspicion of involvement in the acid attack on a human rights activist. According to government officials, these soldiers are affiliated with an intelligence unit, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. 

Activist Andro Yunos, who is associated with KontraS, a prominent rights organization that investigates missing persons, was attacked with acid by two unknown individuals while riding a motorcycle last week. The organization stated that over 20 percent of his body was burned in the attack, and he sustained serious injuries to his hands, face, chest, and eyes.

He has been admitted to a hospital in Jakarta following the incident. Shortly before the attack, he had recorded a podcast containing critical material about the military's growing political role.

 The incident has sparked concern and outrage across the country. Demonstrations were held in various locations over the weekend to show solidarity with activists. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed deep concern over the incident. Similarly, KontraS has called the incident an attempt to suppress critical voices.

Activists have demanded that President Prabowo Subianto form an independent investigation committee. Although the President has not responded directly, his spokesperson stated that instructions have been given for a fair, open, and swift investigation. 

Andro Yunos is known as a staunch critic of Indonesia's military law amendment, which provides for an expanded role for the military in the government. In recent months, he had also been investigating violent incidents during anti-government protests. 

Prior to the attack, he had faced threatening phone calls from unknown numbers and other forms of harassment.