The Indonesian military detained four intelligence unit soldiers this week in connection with an acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus. Yunus, KontraS deputy coordinator, suffered severe facial, ocular, and torso injuries during the Jakarta assault.
Military police commander Yusri Nuryanto confirmed the detentions followed internal investigation irregularities. The soldiers-identified by initials NDP, SL, BHW, and ES-remain in Jakarta maximum-security custody while motives are probed.
Jakarta police released CCTV footage showing two suspects, BHC and MAK, with unclear links to the detained soldiers. Yunus had just recorded a podcast criticizing military influence in government when attacked.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk expressed deep concern, calling the assault horrific. Human Rights Watch cited Indonesia's democratic backsliding under President Prabowo Subianto.