Commission XIII: Enactment of Witness and Victim Protection Bill Demonstrates State's Commitment to Victims

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sugiat Santoso, stated that the enactment of the Witness and Victim Protection Bill (RUU PSDK) represents the state’s commitment to witnesses and victims of crimes. Sugiat explained that the RUU PSDK consists of 12 chapters and 78 articles that strengthen protection for witnesses and victims, including the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK). He expressed gratitude that the bill was finalised after being approved at the DPR RI Plenary Session in Jakarta on Tuesday. “We, particularly in Commission XIII of the DPR, urge that the socialisation of the Witness and Victim Protection Act be intensified,” Sugiat said. He noted that the bill expands protection for subjects in criminal justice processes, not only for witnesses and/or victims but also for perpetrator witnesses, reporters, informants, and/or experts who have previously faced threats. Furthermore, the LPSK is designated as an independent state agency free from any influence of power. In addition, the LPSK is strengthened by establishing regional representatives according to needs. “This bill also regulates the permanent victim fund, namely funds provided to finance compensation and victim recovery,” he said. He hopes that every provision in the Witness and Victim Protection Act can be realised by all law enforcement institutions. Sugiat also encouraged massive socialisation of the implementation of this new legal umbrella. “The most important thing from this enactment is the realisation of the implementation of every point in the Witness and Victim Protection Act,” he said. Previously, the 17th Plenary Session of the DPR RI for the IV Session Period of 2025–2026 approved the Witness and Victim Protection Bill (RUU PSDK) to be enacted as law. “Can the Witness and Victim Protection Bill be approved to be enacted as law? Agreed?” said DPR RI Speaker Puan Maharani in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, which was answered “agreed” by the meeting participants. The RUU PSDK was previously finalised in level-one deliberations during a working meeting held by Commission XIII of the DPR RI on Monday (13/4).