Four Indonesian Officers Sentenced for Acid Attack on Activist

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Four Indonesian military officers have been sentenced to prison for an acid attack on human rights activist Andrie, according to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The court in Jakarta handed down the sentences after a trial that drew criticism from the victim’s legal team, which described the proceedings as a “sham.”

The attack, which occurred in 2023, left Andrie with severe facial injuries and required multiple surgeries. Prosecutors stated that the officers used a substance identified as sulfuric acid to assault the activist, who had previously criticized military operations in Papua. CCTV footage from the scene was presented as key evidence during the trial, though the defense argued the footage was incomplete.

Andrie’s lawyer, Dodi Suryadharma, accused the court of failing to uphold justice. “The trial was a farce,” he said in a statement cited by Al Jazeera. “The military’s influence over the judiciary is evident, and this outcome will only embolden perpetrators of such crimes.” The lawyer’s comments were echoed by human rights organizations, which called for greater accountability for state actors accused of violence.

Indonesian prosecutors had initially sought lighter sentences for the soldiers, according to a report by The Australian. However, the court ruled that the attack constituted a “grave violation of human rights,” leading to the maximum penalty of six years in prison for each officer. The verdict was welcomed by advocacy groups but met with skepticism from some legal experts.

The case has reignited debates about the treatment of activists in Indonesia, particularly those critical of military actions. Andrie, who has since relocated to a secure location, has not publicly commented on the sentencing. His case is part of a broader pattern of attacks on dissenters in the region, according to a 2024 report by Amnesty International.

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Trial and Sentencing Details

The trial, which began in March 2025, lasted nearly a year and involved testimony from multiple witnesses. Prosecutors alleged that the officers, identified as Sergeant Agus Suryadi, Corporal Rizal Pratama, Private Dedi Mulyadi, and Lieutenant Budi Prasetyo, carried out the attack in retaliation for Andrie’s activism. The court cited a 2023 police report that detailed the officers’ involvement, though the military denied any direct connection to the incident.

The defense argued that the acid used in the attack was not military-grade and that the officers had no prior knowledge of the assault. However, the prosecution presented a forensic analysis indicating the substance matched materials stored at a military base. The court also noted that the officers had previously been disciplined for similar misconduct, according to a statement from the Jakarta District Court.

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Legal Reactions and Concerns

Human rights lawyer Dodi Suryadharma criticized the trial’s transparency, stating that key evidence was withheld from the defense. “The court’s reliance on incomplete CCTV footage and unverified witness accounts undermines the integrity of the process,” he said. His remarks were corroborated by a 2025 report from the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, which found that 60% of military-related cases faced procedural irregularities.

The Indonesian military has not commented publicly on the sentencing. However, a statement from the Ministry of Defense acknowledged the court’s ruling while emphasizing the need for “discipline among service members.” The statement did not address allegations of systemic bias in military trials.

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Broader Implications for Human Rights

The case has drawn international attention, with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressing concern over the “chilling effect” of such attacks on free expression. A 2024 UN report highlighted Indonesia as one of 12 countries where activists face “systemic risks” from state and non-state actors.

Local advocacy groups have called for reforms to military justice systems, citing a 2023 study by the University of Indonesia that found 75% of military personnel accused of crimes received sentences below the legal maximum. “This verdict is a small victory, but it does not address the deeper issues of impunity,” said Rina Sari, a researcher with the Jakarta-based Institute for Security and Development.

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What Comes Next?

Andrie’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the sentencing, arguing that the court failed to consider the full extent of the victim’s injuries. The case may also prompt renewed scrutiny of military conduct in Papua, where tensions between security forces and Indigenous communities remain high.

Meanwhile, human rights organizations are urging the Indonesian government to implement recommendations from a 2025 UN review, including independent oversight of military trials. “This case is a test of Indonesia’s commitment to justice,” said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. “The world is watching.”