Commission XIII Approves Bill on Second Amendment to Witness and Victim Protection Law for Plenary Session

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The House of Representatives Commission XIII has approved the Draft Law on the Second Amendment to Law No. 13 of 2006 on Witness and Victim Protection (RUU PSDK) to be brought to the plenary session.

“Do the factions and the government agree to take the RUU PSDK to the second level?” said Chairman of Commission XIII of the House of Representatives Willy Aditya, who received affirmative responses from the meeting participants in the parliamentary complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday.

The approval was made after eight political party factions in Commission XIII of the House of Representatives expressed their views on the bill. All factions stated their agreement to proceed with the RUU PSDK to the second-level discussions for decision-making in the plenary session.

The substance regulated includes the expansion of protection for subjects in criminal proceedings, not only for witnesses and/or victims, but also for perpetrator witnesses, reporters, informants, and experts who have previously also faced threats.

The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) is designated as a state institution, strengthened by the establishment of regional representatives, the implementation of which is adjusted to needs.

LPSK, said Dewi, can also form special task forces.

In addition, the RUU PSDK regulates the permanent victim fund, namely funds provided to finance compensation and victim rehabilitation. The management of the permanent victim fund is carried out by the ministry responsible for financial affairs.

“The proceeds from the management of the permanent victim fund are utilised by the LPSK,” said Dewi.

“And/or other lawful sources that are non-binding in accordance with statutory provisions. The sources of the permanent victim fund are allocated annually according to the state’s financial capacity,” she added.

Furthermore, the RUU PSDK defines compensation as restitution provided by the state because the perpetrator is unable to provide full restitution that is their responsibility to the victim.

Meanwhile, the government welcomes and expresses high appreciation for the completion of this bill.

“Allow us, on behalf of the President, to convey our utmost thanks to the leadership and members of Commission XIII of the House of Representatives who, with full dedication and hard work, have been able to complete the discussion of the RUU PSDK,” said Deputy Minister of Law Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej.

LPSK Chairman Achmadi, who was present at the meeting, also expressed appreciation for the completion of the RUU PSDK. “May this RUU PSDK bring better changes, stronger ones,” he said.