LPSK Affirms Commitment to Protect Torture Victims and Strengthen Access to Justice

The Chairman of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), Achmadi, has asserted that torture constitutes a human rights violation that cannot be justified under any circumstances. He stated that every person has the right to be free from torture and from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. Achmadi noted that this guarantee is enshrined in the constitution and various laws and regulations in Indonesia. As an institution tasked with protecting witnesses and victims, LPSK is committed to continuously standing by torture victims through the fulfilment of their rights and recovery services. “LPSK is committed to being present and standing together with witnesses and victims by providing protection, fulfilling rights, and delivering recovery programmes, whether medical, psychological, psychosocial, or other forms of recovery in accordance with statutory provisions,” Achmadi said during a commemoration of the International Day Against Torture in Jakarta on Friday. According to him, the protection and fulfilment of rights for witnesses and victims aim to ensure a sense of security and provide access to justice, especially for those facing threats or in special situations that endanger their lives. Achmadi explained that one special situation of concern to LPSK is victims of criminal acts of torture. Therefore, prevention and handling efforts require synergy among all ministries, agencies, and stakeholders. “Synergy and collaboration with all ministries, agencies, and stakeholders in preventing and handling torture must continue to be built and realised together,” he said. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding the dignity of witness and victim protection as part of law enforcement with a human rights perspective. “We must jointly safeguard the dignity of protection. Every protection carries meaning and progressive momentum to support a criminal justice process that prioritises respect for human rights and the fulfilment of the rights of witnesses and victims,” he concluded. Achmadi revealed that to date, LPSK has received five requests for protection from the families of victims and other parties.