Mar 18 • 13:25 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Military officers arrested over acid attack on Indonesian activist

Four Indonesian military officers have been arrested in connection with an acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus in Jakarta, who suffered serious burns as a result.

Four members of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a brutal acid attack on Andrie Yunus, a prominent human rights activist, in Jakarta. Yunus, the deputy coordinator of the human rights group KontraS, sustained serious burns affecting over 20 percent of his body after being attacked on a street in the capital. This shocking incident has raised alarm over the safety of activists in Indonesia, particularly given the history of violence against those advocating for human rights in the country.

The acid was reportedly thrown at Yunus by two men on a motorcycle, and the investigation led to the identification and arrest of the four military officers believed to be linked to the attack. Indonesian military authorities have not released the names of those arrested, but they confirmed that the officers are part of an intelligence unit within the TNI. The context of this incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the militarization of Indonesian politics and the treatment of dissenters.

As authorities delve deeper into the investigation, questions arise about the possible motive behind the attack and whether others may have been complicit. The acid attack on Yunus not only signifies a personal tragedy but also poses a serious implication for the broader human rights landscape in Indonesia, where activists face increasing threats and violence. This case could attract international attention, compelling both government and military leaders to address the accountability of their forces and protect the rights of individuals advocating for justice.

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