By: Aditya Firmansyah
Law enforcement efforts in the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus continue to attract public attention. This case concerns not only the criminal aspect but also touches on the issue of human rights protection and the credibility of the Indonesian legal system in handling cases involving security forces.
The spotlight on this case is intensifying due to the uncertainty regarding the judicial process that will be used. The public hopes that the legal process will be transparent, objective, and capable of providing justice for the victim, while also strengthening trust in law enforcement institutions in the country.
The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the possible judicial routes, both through civilian and military courts. Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi, Coordinator of the Subcommission on Human Rights Enforcement and Komnas HAM Mediation Commissioner, emphasized that his office has not yet reached a final conclusion, as the process is still in the stage of gathering information and data from various parties.
According to Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi, a cautious approach is key to ensuring a comprehensive and objective understanding of the events. Komnas HAM continues to communicate with various parties, including KontraS, the victims’ legal representatives, and the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK). This is done to ensure that all information obtained is valid and can serve as a strong basis for decision-making.
Exploring the chronology is also a crucial part of the in-depth investigation. Komnas HAM has met with KontraS to trace the sequence of events from the beginning, including how the victim first arrived at her residence through to her medical treatment at the hospital. This effort demonstrates a commitment to building a comprehensive picture of the case.
Furthermore, Komnas HAM is open to summoning other relevant parties to complete data and information. This step confirms that the investigation process is being conducted inclusively and without haste, allowing all perspectives to be considered proportionally. Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi emphasized that conclusions regarding the existence of human rights violations will only be made after the entire information-gathering process is complete.
This comprehensive approach is considered crucial to prevent future legal controversy. Based on solid data, it is hoped that the decisions taken will not only be legally valid but also acceptable to the wider public. This is crucial considering that the acid attack case had a serious impact on the victims and attracted widespread public attention.
Meanwhile, the legal process through the military is also ongoing. The Head of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Information Center, Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, stated that the investigation into the four soldiers suspected of involvement is still ongoing. The Indonesian National Armed Forces Military Police Center is currently investigating the roles of each suspect to ensure their involvement is clear and measurable.
Aulia Dwi Nasrullah also appealed to the public to place their trust in law enforcement officers in carrying out their duties. He emphasized the importance of waiting for the results of a thorough investigation to avoid premature conclusions that could influence the legal process. Public trust is considered a crucial factor in maintaining the stability and credibility of law enforcement.
Legal expert Fransiscus Xaverius Tangkudung also expressed support for the use of military justice. He believes that the implementation of military justice is the right step, considering that TNI soldiers are subject to the jurisdiction of military justice as stipulated in Law Number 31 of 1997. He believes this mechanism has a strong and relevant legal basis for handling cases involving military personnel.
Fransiscus Xaverius Tangkudung believes that the military justice system has firm and consistent standards for imposing sanctions for violations. This is considered to maintain the institution’s credibility while providing clear legal certainty. In the context of this case, this firmness is expected to have a deterrent effect and guarantee justice for the victim.
More broadly, the handling of this case cannot be separated from the government’s achievements over the past year in strengthening the national legal system. Various strategic steps have been taken, such as increasing transparency in law enforcement, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and a commitment to protecting human rights. The government is also promoting the digitalization of the legal system to expedite the case handling process and increase the accountability of law enforcement officials.
This success is crucial in ensuring that the handling of this acid attack case is carried out professionally and with integrity. Synergy between the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), law enforcement officials, and the military is key to ensuring a legal process that is not only procedurally complete but also meets the public’s sense of justice.
Ultimately, the acid attack on Andrie Yunus is a real test of the state’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting human rights. All elements of society are expected to continue to monitor this process constructively while upholding the principle of the presumption of innocence. With public support and the professional performance of the authorities, it is hoped that justice can be truly achieved and public trust in the national legal system will be strengthened.
*) Executive Director of the Center for Legal Studies
