8 Key Points in the Witness and Victim Protection Bill Being Drafted by DPR and Government
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) is preparing the Witness and Victim Protection Bill (RUU-PDSK) as a replacement for Law No. 31 of 2014.
The Chairman of Commission XIII, Willy Aditya, revealed that the RUU-PDSK currently being drafted aims to replace Law No. 31 of 2014, which he considers no longer relevant to field conditions.
“The current protection framework does not fully address needs in the field, so a re-regulation is needed through the replacement of Law No. 31 of 2014, which amends Law No. 13 of 2006 on Witness and Victim Protection,” he stated during a working meeting with the government at the DPR RI Building in Jakarta on Monday (30/3/2026).
Willy Aditya stated that the RUU-PDSK emphasises that the state is obliged to ensure adequate protection for witnesses, victims, reporters, up to experts who are often threatened and endanger their lives.
“Philosophically, sociologically, and juridically, the RUU-PDSK reaffirms that the state is obliged to ensure adequate protection for witnesses and victims, including reporters, informants, and/or experts as parties at risk of threats to their lives,” Willy said during the session.
The main substance of the RUU-PDSK includes:
A new paradigm of protection for witnesses and victims as well as reporters, informants, and/or experts that has shifted from protection to protection interpreted as the state must be present in providing protection.
Expansion of protection objects given to subjects in all cases, not limited to criminal matters but to all dispute cases after research.
Development of protection needs that have shifted not only for witnesses and victims but also for witnesses, perpetrators, informants, and/or experts who have also received threats.
The LPSK is a state institution that needs to be strengthened institutionally as an independent entity actively present in providing protection to the public.
A permanent victim fund is provided to finance victim recovery, managed by the LPSK from various sources.
Strengthening the LPSK by establishing LPSK representatives in provinces and regencies/municipalities. In addition, the LPSK will be strengthened by forming deputy positions, an inspectorate, and the ability to form special task forces.
In providing protection to witnesses, perpetrator witnesses, victims, reporters, informants, and/or experts, the LPSK coordinates with investigators, public prosecutors, and/or judges at every stage of the judicial process.
The substantive material of the RUU-PDSK regulation also considers the new Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, particularly the paradigm of the justice system from retributive justice to restorative justice and rehabilitative justice, which directly relates to the protection of witnesses and victims as well as reporters, informants, and/or experts.