Post by : Shakul

A senior Indonesian military officer has stepped down following an acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus, a vocal critic of the military’s expanding role in civilian affairs.

Yunus, a deputy coordinator with rights group KontraS, suffered burns to around 20 percent of his face and body after assailants on a motorcycle threw acid at him on March 12. The attack occurred shortly after he recorded a podcast discussing military expansion in Indonesia.

The incident has triggered strong condemnation both domestically and internationally. Volker Turk described the attack as a “cowardly act of violence” and called for accountability.

Military spokespersons confirmed that intelligence unit chief Yudi Abrimantyo stepped down as part of taking responsibility for the incident. Authorities have also detained four military officers linked to the intelligence unit in connection with the case. If found guilty, they could face disciplinary action or dismissal from service.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto condemned the attack, calling it an act of terrorism and pledging a thorough investigation with no impunity for those involved.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have raised serious concerns, with some describing the attack as attempted murder. Civil society groups have also urged the government to form an independent investigative team and ensure the case is tried in civilian courts rather than military tribunals.

The case has intensified concerns over democratic backsliding in Indonesia, where the military’s influence in civilian sectors has reportedly expanded in recent years. Investigations into the attack remain ongoing.

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