Jakarta – A coalition of Indonesian legal advocates on Monday sharply criticized a military court’s decision to shorten the prison terms of two soldiers and reverse their dishonorable discharges after they were convicted of an acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus.

Background of the case

In June, a military court sentenced four officers from the intelligence unit to between 1½ and three years in jail for the premeditated assault on Yunus, a deputy coordinator for the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS). The two officers who received the longest sentences – three years and two‑and‑a‑half years – were also dishonorably discharged.

Appeal reduces penalties

Following an appeal, the court issued a document dated August 20 that cut each of the two longest sentences by six months and removed the discharge orders, offering no explanation for the change.

Activists’ response

The Advocacy for Democracy Team, a coalition of activists and legal professionals, called the appeal “lenient” and said it fails to deliver justice for the victim, reinforces a culture of impunity, and creates the impression that military officers receive special treatment before the law.

“The decision gives the convicts a lighter punishment, does not provide justice to the victim, and strengthens the practice of impunity,” the coalition said.

Impact on the victim

Andrie Yunus, who has been outspoken against the expanding role of the military in civilian affairs, suffered severe injuries from the attack. He has undergone multiple plastic‑surgery procedures and eye operations, leaving his right eye so damaged that he can no longer read with it.

Military’s silence

When asked for comment, Muhammad Nas, spokesperson for the Indonesian military, did not immediately respond.

Broader concerns

Since President Prabowo Subianto took office in 2024, rights groups and students have voiced worries about the military’s involvement in implementing his policy agenda, sparking nationwide protests in August of last year. Critics have also questioned the decision to try the case in a military court rather than a civilian court.

The appeal’s outcome adds to ongoing debates over military accountability and the rule of law in Indonesia.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.