An Indonesian court in Jakarta has formally accepted a criminal complaint accusing Myanmar’s newly-elected President Min Aung Hlaing of genocide against the Rohingya people.
The filing, submitted on 6 April, marks the first time a case has been officially received under Indonesia’s new penal code, which allows for “universal jurisdiction” in cases involving serious international crimes, regardless of where they were committed or the nationality of the victims.
Political analysts say the case could increase pressure on the military regime’s efforts to gain political legitimacy.
According to a press conference held the same day, Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office in Jakarta accepted the complaint filed by the Rohingya Maiyafuinor Collaborative Network, THEMIS Indonesia, and the Myanmar Accountability Project (MAP).
The court confirmed that it will proceed with a legal investigation following the acceptance of the case.
Political analyst Dr. Sai Kyi Zin Soe stated that the case could affect the transitional government’s plans to consolidate power after the 2026 elections.
“These cases could influence international relations and political legitimacy and may also disrupt the military’s current consolidation plans by creating internal disagreements among its leaders,” he said.
He also noted that Indonesia’s move could be controversial within ASEAN, given the bloc’s principle of non-interference.
“Indonesia’s potential effort to arrest the leader of an ASEAN member state may raise concerns among other member countries,” he said.
Sai Kyi Zin Soe further explained that the decision to proceed with prosecution ultimately lies with Indonesia’s executive branch, and that no official response has yet been made by the Indonesian president.
He added that the president must carefully consider the implications for international relations, ASEAN affairs, and domestic politics.
Meanwhile, Zin Mar Aung, foreign minister of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), emphasized that the allegations against Min Aung Hlaing cannot be erased regardless of his political position.
“Indonesia has amended its domestic laws to accept this case at a time when he is attempting to become president. This demonstrates that no matter how much he claims legitimacy, the crimes attributed to him remain,” she said.
The complaint was submitted by Rohingya genocide survivor Yasmin Ullah along with 10 prominent Indonesian figures, including former Attorney General Marzuki Darusman and Busyro Muqoddas, chairman of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization, Muhammadiyah.
Previously, in February 2025, an Argentine court issued international arrest warrants for 23 military officers including Min Aung Hlaing and Soe Win following a successful genocide case concerning the Rohingya.
