PRIME NEWS POST

The INDONESIAN, (JAKARTA) – The acid attack on a KontraS activist has increasingly drawn public attention. The Indonesian Law Students Association (PERMAHI) considers this case not merely an ordinary criminal act, but an alleged structured operation that requires disclosure to its roots—including identifying who the intellectual actors are behind it.

The brutal assault occurred on March 12, 2026, at approximately 11:30 PM Western Indonesia Time (WIB) in the Salemba area of Jakarta. The victim was doused with a corrosive substance by unknown perpetrators while riding a motorcycle, after attending a public discussion that addressed strategic issues, including criticism of national defense policies.

PERMAHI strongly condemned the act as clear evidence of repression against civil society. The law students’ organization stated that the pattern of the attack indicates careful planning, rather than a spontaneous action.

The National Executive Board (DPN) Chairperson of PERMAHI, Azhar Sidiq S, emphasized that transparency in the legal process is key to uncovering all the facts.
“The public is not only waiting to know who the field perpetrators are, but also who the masterminds are behind this incident. Without openness, trust in state institutions will continue to erode,” he said.

Similarly, DPN Secretary-General of PERMAHI, Muhammad Afghan Ababil, urged the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission I to step in and conduct strict oversight. He noted that the case carries serious implications as it involves alleged personnel from the TNI’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS).

“The legal process must not stop at the executors. It must be made clear who the intellectual actors are, what their motives are, and whether there is a link to the victim’s activities in vocalizing criticism of state policies,” Afghan stressed.

PERMAHI also highlighted the potential “chilling effect” on civil liberties. The attack on the activist is deemed likely to create collective fear among people who wish to voice criticism, thereby threatening democratic space.

While appreciating the initial steps taken to prosecute four Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) members who have been named suspects, PERMAHI cautioned that internal processes must not serve as a shield to avoid public accountability.
“The investigation must be independent, open, and subject to public scrutiny. Otherwise, potential conflicts of interest will always loom,” added Azhar.

Furthermore, PERMAHI called for a comprehensive evaluation of the TNI, both in structural and cultural aspects. Internal reform is deemed urgent to ensure the military institution remains within the bounds of the rule of law and democratic principles.

As part of civil society, PERMAHI reaffirmed its commitment to continue monitoring this case until its conclusion. They pledged that public pressure will not subside until justice is upheld—not only for the victim, but also to safeguard the dignity of law and democracy in Indonesia.(Ed)

#Reported from various media sources // photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media//(Ist