LPSK Accompanies Family of Prada Lucky in Appeal Hearing in Surabaya

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has provided legal accompaniment to the family of deceased soldier Prada Lucky during an appeal hearing for an assault case that resulted in the victim’s death, to ensure that the victim’s rights are upheld throughout the judicial process.

Antonius PS Wibowo, Deputy Chair of LPSK, stated that the accompaniment was provided to ensure the victim’s family could participate in the legal proceedings safely and receive protection whilst testifying at the military court hearing.

“LPSK ensures that the victim’s mother can be present at the hearing without obstruction and can provide testimony before the military judge freely, without pressure or intimidation from any party. The victim’s right to restitution must also continue to be pursued,” said Antonius in his statement in Jakarta on Friday.

The appeal hearing against 22 TNI military personnel defendants was held at Military High Court III-12 in Surabaya on Wednesday (11 March). During the hearing, the victim’s mother provided virtual testimony regarding the incident that befell her son.

He stated that the presence of the victim’s family in the judicial process is an important part of ensuring that the victim’s voice continues to be heard by the judicial panel. The accompaniment also aims to help the victim’s family understand their rights throughout the legal process.

Additionally, the right to restitution for victims is regulated under Government Regulation Number 7 of 2018 concerning the Provision of Compensation, Restitution, and Assistance to Witnesses and Victims.

The LPSK considers restitution to be an important part of recovery for victims and families affected by criminal acts. This mechanism also serves as a form of state acknowledgement of the losses suffered by the victim and affirms the responsibility of the perpetrator.

Support for the accompaniment provided by LPSK was also expressed by Andreas Hugo Pareira, Deputy Chair of Commission XIII of the Indonesian Parliament. He considered the LPSK’s presence in the judicial process to provide important support for the victim’s family in pursuing justice.

Andreas also emphasised the need to strengthen the LPSK institution so that the protection of witnesses and victims can be increasingly optimal.

“This strengthening includes human resources, budget support, and infrastructure, including expanding the LPSK’s presence in regions so that case handling can be carried out more quickly,” he said.

He also encouraged greater coordination between the LPSK and regional governments as well as relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that the implementation of witness and victim protection operates more effectively.

Previously, in the first-instance judgment, the judicial panel determined that 22 defendants were proven to have committed assault against Prada Lucky, resulting in the victim’s death. The defendants were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from six to nine years, along with additional penalties in the form of dismissal from military service.

Additionally, the judicial panel also ordered the defendants to pay restitution to the victim’s family. Based on LPSK calculations, the total restitution imposed on the defendants amounts to approximately 1.6 billion rupiah, with varying amounts according to each perpetrator’s level of involvement.

Antonius emphasised that his agency would continue to monitor the case’s progress until a final, binding judgment is rendered, including ensuring that the restitution obligation to the victim’s family is fulfilled.