Indonesian activists condemn reduced sentences for soldiers in acid attack case

Indonesian legal advocates have condemned a military court's decision to reduce the jail sentences and reverse the discharges of two soldiers convicted of throwing acid at activist Andrie Yunus. The Advocacy for Democracy Team stated the appeal outcome provided leniency to the convicts without delivering justice to the victim and reinforced impunity for military officers.

In June, a military court had sentenced four officers from a military intelligence unit to between 1-1/2 and three years in jail for the premeditated assault on Yunus, who had been campaigning against the military's increasing involvement in civilian affairs. The two defendants who received the longest sentences of three years and 2-1/2 years were also dishonorably discharged. However, an appeal resulted in their sentences being cut by six months each, and their discharges were removed, according to a document dated August 20.

The coalition argued that the ruling gave the impression of exclusive legal treatment for military officers. Yunus has undergone multiple surgeries for injuries sustained in the March attack, including damage to his right eye that impairs his vision. Activists had previously raised concerns about the trial being held in a military court rather than a civilian one. Rights groups have also expressed apprehension about the military's role in implementing policy goals since President Prabowo Subianto took office in 2024.