Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

Trial begins for 4 Indonesian service members charged over acid attack on activist

News

Trial begins for 4 Indonesian service members charged over acid attack on activist
News

News

Trial begins for 4 Indonesian service members charged over acid attack on activist

2026-04-29 17:25 Last Updated At:17:30

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — A trial opened in a military court on Wednesday for four Indonesian service members accused of carrying out an acid attack on a prominent human rights activist, in a case that has reignited concerns about military impunity.

Three Indonesian navy marines and one air force officer, all assigned to the intelligence agency of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, or TNI, are charged with serious premeditated assault in the March attack on Andrie Yunus, a human rights lawyer and senior activist with the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence, known as KontraS, who suffered severe injuries.

Those on trial in Jakarta are Sgt. Edi Sudarko, First Lt. Budhi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, Capt. Nandala Dwi Prasetya, and Air Force First Lt. Sami Lakka. The charges carry a sentence of up to 12 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors allege the four men acted together but described the motive as personal. They said the defendants attacked Yunus with acid “to teach him a lesson and deter him from making disparaging remarks about the TNI.”

“The actions of the defendants who threw chemical liquid on Andrie Yunus, resulting in the loss of sight in his right eye and severe burns with no hope of complete recovery, were inappropriate actions for members of the TNI,” military prosecutor Mohammad Iswandi told the court.

Human rights groups criticized the personal‑motive narrative and the decision to try the case in a military court instead of a civilian one.

“This case has been narrowed to just four individuals, without transparency, while the motive is framed as personal,” said Usman Hamid, executive director of A mnesty International Indonesia. He said there was no clear personal or professional relationship between Yunus and the accused, and alleged that official military assets were used in the attack.

“It is difficult to accept that state facilities were used solely for personal revenge,” Hamid said, warning the handling of the case risks undermining public trust.

After prosecutors finished reading the indictment, the defendants — two of whom also sustained minor facial and eye injuries from acid splashes during the attack — did not file objections to the charges.

Yunus, 27, was riding his motorcycle in central Jakarta on the evening of March 12 when assailants hurled a vial of hydrochloric acid at his face. Prosecutors said he suffered chemical burns to about 20% of his body and damage to roughly 40% of his right cornea.

Jakarta police initially handled the investigation before announcing that members of the Indonesian military were implicated in the attack. Six days later, military police arrested four suspects from the TNI’s Strategic Intelligence Agency.

The victim has undergone several surgeries and remains in recovery, which prevented him from attending the trial's opening, Iswandi said when asked by the three-judge panel about Yunus’ absence.

“It should be noted that as a citizen, Andrie Yunus is obliged to appear in this court, so we can ascertain his actual condition,” Presiding judge Fredy Isnartanto responded, “If not, I have the authority to compel his appearance.”

The judge adjourned the hearing to May 6, when the court will hear from witnesses.

Yunus is recognized for his advocacy against impunity in Indonesia, and his work on security sector reform and civil liberties. He was active in protests last year opposing proposed revisions to Indonesia’s military law that would expand the armed forces’ role in civilian affairs. Colleagues say he has faced repeated intimidation linked to that work.

The case has drawn comparisons to the 2004 murder of Munir Said Thalib, a leading human rights activist and founder of KontraS who was poisoned with arsenic on a flight to Amsterdam. Although several people were convicted, activists argue the mastermind was never fully revealed.

Mounting calls from civil society groups to reveal who ordered and financed the attack on Yunus prompted a response from President Prabowo Subianto, a former army general.

Prabowo has pledged to pursue those responsible and said he is considering an independent fact‑finding team. Rights groups say the Yunus trial will test the military’s post‑reform commitment to accountability.

Indonesia’s military formally withdrew from politics after the fall of dictator Suharto in 1998, leading to reforms aimed at strengthening civilian oversight.

Indonesian military personnel, from left, Sami Lakka, Nandala Dwi Prasetya, Budhi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, and Edi Sudarko, accused of carrying out an acid attack on human right activist Andrie Yunus attend a trial at a military court in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Indonesian military personnel, from left, Sami Lakka, Nandala Dwi Prasetya, Budhi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, and Edi Sudarko, accused of carrying out an acid attack on human right activist Andrie Yunus attend a trial at a military court in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Indonesian military personnel, from left, Sami Lakka, Nandala Dwi Prasetya, Budhi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, and Edi Sudarko, accused of carrying out an acid attack on human right activist Andrie Yunus, stand in attention during their trial at a military court in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Indonesian military personnel, from left, Sami Lakka, Nandala Dwi Prasetya, Budhi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, and Edi Sudarko, accused of carrying out an acid attack on human right activist Andrie Yunus, stand in attention during their trial at a military court in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

A military police person, far left, escorts Indonesian military personnel, from left, Sami Lakka, Nandala Dwi Prasetya, Budhi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, and Edi Sudarko, accused of an acid attack on human right activist Andrie Yunus, during trial at a military court in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

A military police person, far left, escorts Indonesian military personnel, from left, Sami Lakka, Nandala Dwi Prasetya, Budhi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, and Edi Sudarko, accused of an acid attack on human right activist Andrie Yunus, during trial at a military court in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 29, 2026--

With warmer days on the horizon, Dunkin’ is introducing new drinks and bakery items that match the mood of the season – from bright, fruity Refreshers to mix-and-match sips, frozen coffees and indulgent treats.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260429183193/en/

Available nationwide today, the menu is headlined by new Black Cherry and Limeade Dunkin’ Refreshers, alongside Dunkin’s take on Dirty Soda, drinks featuring OREO ® cookies, newly reimagined Coffee Chillers and fruit punch bakery items. Together, it gives guests more ways to sip their way through the season – whether they’re in the mood for something refreshing or a little more indulgent.

A Brighter Way to Sip

At the forefront is Black Cherry, the latest addition to Dunkin’ Refreshers. Sweet, tart and juicy, it delivers a pop of flavor that fits right at home this time of year, whether enjoyed on its own or layered into additional builds. Highlights include:

Dunkin’s new Limeade adds a zesty, citrus-flavored base to any Dunkin’ Refresher, opening up another way to customize. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into limited-time drinks, like Raspberry Limeade, Coconut Limeade,Matcha Limeade and Strawberry Dragonfruit Limeade Refresher.

“Summer is when customers get more playful with what they drink – they may want to try something new, mix things up, maybe even surprise themselves,” said Anthony Epter, vice president of menu innovation at Dunkin’. “That’s the thinking behind this menu, from our take on Dunkin’ Dirty Soda to new flavors like Black Cherry that can be customized however they want it. We wanted to give guests more reasons to discover something new every time they come to Dunkin’.”

A Very Dunkin’ Take on Dirty Soda

Dirty Soda has carved out its place in drink culture. Now, Dunkin’ is bringing its own version into the mix.

The Dunkin’ Dirty Soda combines the brand’s beloved coffee milk with PEPSI ® and tops it with Sweet Cold Foam, creating a drink with classic soda flavor and a smooth, creamy, coffee-forward finish reminiscent of the Dunkalatte.

OREO ® Cookies Bring a Sweet Twist to Dunkin’s Menu

OREO ® brand is making a standout appearance on Dunkin’s latest menu, bringing the unmistakable flavor of AMERICA’S FAVORITE COOKIE ® to a limited-time lineup of espresso, matcha and frozen drinks. The collaboration brings two beloved brands together for an indulgent take on summer sipping, with OREO ® cookies’ signature chocolate taste featured in tasty drinks made for warm-weather treats.

The offerings include:

Meet Coffee Chillers, Dunkin’s New Frozen Coffee

Dunkin’ is also introducing all-new Coffee Chillers, a reimagined frozen coffee with a smooth, creamy and bold taste. Available in three indulgent flavors, OREO ® Coffee Chiller, Caramel CremeCoffee Chiller and Triple MochaCoffee Chiller give guests a new way to cool down as temperatures rise.

Guests can also enjoy the Coffee Chiller in its classic form, a frozen coffee made with any dairy base and fully customizable with any flavor.

A Fruit-Forward Twist Beyond the Cup

Rounding out the new additions, Dunkin’ is adding a bright, fruit punch-inspired twist to its bakery offerings with a new donut and new MUNCHKINS ® Donut Hole Treats – a colorful, nostalgic nod to the flavors of the season.

Exclusive Offers for Dunkin’ Rewards ® Members

Dunkin’ Rewards members have even more reasons to run to Dunkin’ with limited-time offers, including*:

Those not yet enrolled in Dunkin’ Rewards can create a free account on the Dunkin’ app or by visiting dunkinrewards.com.

With bright new Refreshers, layered sips, frozen coffee and sweet treats in the mix, Dunkin’ is giving guests even more ways to discover what’s new on the menu.

To stay up to date on Dunkin’s latest seasonal offerings, visitDunkinDonuts.comor sign up for alerts through theDunkin’ newsroom. Follow Dunkin’ onInstagram,TikTokandXfor more on the brand’s newest menu items, collaborations and announcements.

*Must activate in the mobile app to receive offer. Offer is single-use per day of offer dates. Additional terms and exclusions may apply. Bonus points are earned on base points only.

**Must activate in the mobile app to receive offer. Includes hot, iced, or frozen matcha. Excludes tea, espresso, and frozen beverages.

About Dunkin’

Dunkin’, founded in 1950, is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 14,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. Dunkin’ is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit DunkinDonuts.com and InspireBrands.com.

About OREO ® Cookie

OREO ® is AMERICA'S FAVORITE COOKIE ®, available in more than 100 countries around the globe. Over 60 billion OREO ® cookies are sold each year with more than 20 billion of those cookies sold in the U.S. annually. An estimated 500 billion OREO ® cookies have been sold since the first OREO ® biscuit was developed in 1912. For more information, follow OREO ® on Facebook/OREOUnitedStates, Twitter/X @OREO, TikTok @OREO or on Instagram @OREO.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $94 billion in net revenue in 2025, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and drinks, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that places sustainability at the center of our business strategy, seeking to drive growth and build a stronger, more resilient future for PepsiCo and the communities where we operate. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

Dunkin’ Fruit Punch Donut and MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats, featuring a fruit punch-inspired glaze and fruit punch sprinkle blend.

Dunkin’ Fruit Punch Donut and MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats, featuring a fruit punch-inspired glaze and fruit punch sprinkle blend.

Dunkin’ Dirty Soda made with PEPSI®, coffee milk and Sweet Cold Foam, delivering a creamy, coffee-forward twist on the viral soda trend.

Dunkin’ Dirty Soda made with PEPSI®, coffee milk and Sweet Cold Foam, delivering a creamy, coffee-forward twist on the viral soda trend.

Dunkin’ OREO® beverage lineup, including iced espresso, matcha and frozen drinks topped with marshmallow cold foam and OREO® cookie crumbles.

Dunkin’ OREO® beverage lineup, including iced espresso, matcha and frozen drinks topped with marshmallow cold foam and OREO® cookie crumbles.

Dunkin’ Limeade, a citrus-forward iced beverage with a zesty lime flavor, served on its own or as a base for Dunkin’ Refreshers.

Dunkin’ Limeade, a citrus-forward iced beverage with a zesty lime flavor, served on its own or as a base for Dunkin’ Refreshers.

Dunkin’ Black Cherry Refreshers, a sweet and tart iced beverage made with fruit flavors and customizable with green tea, lemonade or sparkling water.

Dunkin’ Black Cherry Refreshers, a sweet and tart iced beverage made with fruit flavors and customizable with green tea, lemonade or sparkling water.

Recommended Articles