Military Critic Ambush: 4 Arrests & Activist Claims of Wider Involvement

An acid attack in Indonesia has evoked memories of the brutal tactics employed during the Suharto era, with authorities arresting four suspects in connection with the assault on a prominent military critic. While initial reports suggested a larger number of individuals were involved, police have confirmed the arrests and continue to investigate the incident.

The victim, identified as Hersri Setiawan, a vocal critic of the Indonesian military and its past human rights abuses, was attacked on April 22nd in Jakarta. He sustained severe burns to his face and body and is currently receiving medical treatment. The attack has sparked outrage among human rights activists and raised concerns about a potential resurgence of violence and intimidation tactics reminiscent of the authoritarian regime of Suharto, who ruled Indonesia from 1967 to 1998.

Brutal Echoes of the Past

The method of the attack – using acid to disfigure and intimidate – bears a chilling resemblance to tactics used during the Suharto era to silence dissent. During that period, critics of the government and the military were often subjected to harassment, intimidation, and violence, including acid attacks. The use of such a brutal method in the present case has fueled fears that elements within the security forces or affiliated groups may be attempting to suppress critical voices.

“This attack is a clear attempt to silence a critical voice and send a message to others who dare to speak out against the military,” said a statement released by the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), a leading human rights organization in Indonesia. “The use of acid is a particularly cruel and cowardly tactic that evokes the dark days of the Suharto regime.”

The Investigation and Arrests

Police have identified four suspects in connection with the attack: Muhammad Nur, Roni Saputra, Andi Setiawan, and Rahmat Hidayat. Authorities allege that the suspects were hired to carry out the attack, but have not yet revealed the identity of those who allegedly ordered it. The investigation is ongoing, and police have stated they are pursuing all leads to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.

According to police reports, the suspects were apprehended in separate locations across Jakarta and surrounding areas. Investigators have seized evidence, including the acid used in the attack and vehicles believed to have been used in the planning and execution of the assault. Authorities have indicated that additional arrests are possible as the investigation progresses.

Hersri Setiawan: A Longtime Critic

Hersri Setiawan is a well-known activist and researcher who has spent years documenting human rights abuses committed by the Indonesian military, particularly in Papua and other conflict-ridden regions. He has been a vocal critic of the military’s impunity and has called for greater accountability for past and present abuses. His work has often put him at odds with powerful interests within the Indonesian establishment.

Setiawan’s research has focused on alleged extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances carried out by the military. He has also been a strong advocate for the rights of victims of past abuses and has worked to provide them with legal and psychological support. His activism has made him a target of threats and intimidation in the past, but this is the first time he has been subjected to a physical attack.

Concerns About Impunity

The attack on Hersri Setiawan has renewed concerns about the lack of accountability for human rights abuses in Indonesia. Despite some progress in recent years, critics argue that the military continues to operate with a high degree of impunity and that those responsible for past abuses have rarely been brought to justice. The attack is seen as a test of the Indonesian government’s commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of violence.

Human rights organizations are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the attack, as well as for the prosecution of all those responsible, including those who may have ordered it. They are also urging the Indonesian government to take steps to protect other human rights defenders and to create a more enabling environment for civil society.

The incident underscores the fragility of democratic gains in Indonesia and the ongoing challenges to establishing a culture of respect for human rights. As the investigation continues, the world will be watching to see whether justice will be served and whether Indonesia can truly break with its past.