DPR Member Urges "Class Action" to Prevent Debt Collector Violence Cases
Jakarta – A member of the DPR’s Commission III has urged the pursuit of class action lawsuits to prevent violence cases perpetrated by debt collectors, following an incident in Tangerang, Banten, where a customer was stabbed by a debt collector.
According to Abdullah, such class action suits are regulated under the Supreme Court Regulation (PERMA) Number 1 of 2002 concerning Class Action Proceedings. In the consumer context, Law Number 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection guarantees the right to comfort, security and safety when using financial services.
“I am calling for the implementation of class action mechanisms as a legal instrument to demand broader accountability,” Abdullah said in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He acknowledged having repeatedly criticised debt collector violence cases but noted no significant changes from the Financial Services Authority (OJK), which sets regulations and oversees third-party debt collection practices. Financial service providers that employ debt collectors have not been sufficiently careful in their assignments, he said.
“Financial service providers employing debt collectors cannot simply evade responsibility by claiming violent actions were committed by third parties. Civil law recognises the principle of employer liability for actions performed within the scope of employment,” he said.
He also urged consumer protection organisations, such as the Indonesian Consumer Foundation (YLKI) and the National Consumer Protection Agency, to provide legal assistance to other consumers who suffer similar harm.
“Structured legal support will make class action steps more effective and efficient and strengthen the position of victims in legal proceedings,” he said.
To this end, he requested that the OJK evaluate and tighten the standard operating procedures (SOP) for third-party debt collection. Each debt collection officer, he said, must use clear official identification, wear company insignia, and document the collection process through video recording to prevent potential abuse of authority.
“A rule of law cannot be subject to violent practices disguised as debt collection. Protection of customers, respect for the legal profession, and legal certainty for the business world must proceed in balance,” he said.
Earlier, the Metro Jaya Police’s Crime Unit arrested a suspect in the stabbing of a lawyer in Kelapa Dua District, South Tangerang, which occurred on Monday, 23 February.
“The suspect, initialised JBI, was secured on Tuesday, 24 February at 23:50 WIB in Semarang, Central Java,” said Metro Jaya Police Public Relations Chief Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Budi said the victim, initialised BS, sustained serious stab wounds after becoming involved in a dispute with several unknown individuals claiming to be debt collectors regarding vehicle repossession.
The suspect is currently undergoing investigation for further enquiry, he added. The police prioritise public protection and ensure all violent acts are processed in accordance with legal provisions.