Indonesian rights advocates have strongly criticised a military appeals court for reducing the prison sentences of two soldiers convicted over an acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus. The court also cancelled their dishonourable discharges, prompting renewed concerns about accountability and military justice in Indonesia.
Military Court Cuts Prison Terms for Two Soldiers
Four members of Indonesia’s military intelligence unit were convicted in June for their involvement in a premeditated acid attack against Andrie Yunus, a deputy coordinator at the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, known as KontraS.
The original verdict handed Edi Sudarko a three-year prison sentence and Budhi Hariyanto Widhi a two-and-a-half-year term. Both men were also ordered to leave the military.
Following their appeals, the military court reduced each sentence by six months. Edi’s term was lowered to two and a half years, while Budhi’s was reduced to two years. The court also overturned the orders dismissing both soldiers from military service.
The ruling did not explain why the penalties and military dismissals were changed.
Rights Groups Say Decision Weakens Accountability
The reduced sentences have drawn criticism from Indonesian legal advocates and civil society groups, who argue that the decision fails to adequately recognise the seriousness of the attack and its consequences for Yunus.
Activists say the ruling could reinforce perceptions that members of the military receive special treatment when accused of serious crimes against civilians. They have also renewed their criticism of the decision to handle the case through a military court instead of the civilian justice system.
The other two soldiers convicted in the case were not given reduced sentences. Captain Nandala Dwi Prasetya retained his two-year sentence, while First Lieutenant Sami Lakka continued to face a one-and-a-half-year prison term.
Activist Suffered Severe Injuries in March Attack
Yunus was attacked in Jakarta on March 12 after publicly campaigning against the expanding role of the military in civilian affairs.
The military court previously concluded that the assault had been planned because of his activism. According to the June ruling, Edi played a leading role in carrying out the attack and encouraged the other defendants, while Budhi had proposed using acid.
Yunus suffered extensive burns and serious damage to his right eye. He has undergone multiple plastic surgeries as well as eye and skin procedures following the attack, and his vision in the affected eye has been severely impaired.
The case has become part of a wider debate in Indonesia over military involvement in civilian matters. Rights groups and student organisations have raised concerns about the expanding role of the armed forces since President Prabowo Subianto took office in 2024.
