LPSK States that Witness and Victim Protection Law Strengthens Legitimacy for Protecting Witnesses and Victims

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has welcomed the enactment of the Witness and Victim Protection Law (UU PSDK).

LPSK Chairman Achmadi assessed that the UU PSDK provides stronger legitimacy for the LPSK in carrying out its protection functions for those in need.

“With the status as a state institution, the LPSK will have far stronger legitimacy in carrying out its protection functions. The LPSK becoming a State Institution is a strengthening of the legal foundation so that we can work more effectively, independently, and without obstacles,” Achmadi stated in his remarks on Friday (2/4/2026).

This affirmation is contained in Article 25 paragraph (1), which states that the LPSK is a state institution that, in carrying out its duties and authority, is independent and free from any power’s influence.

In addition, the institutional definition of the LPSK is further emphasised in Article 1 number 8, which refers to the LPSK as a state institution tasked and authorised to provide protection and other rights to witnesses, victims, perpetrator witnesses, reporters, informants, and/or experts as regulated in this law.

From a constitutional perspective, according to him, state institutions are positioned as instruments to carry out public functions effectively and accountably according to societal needs.

According to him, the presence of the LPSK in that position also reflects the state’s responsibility in protecting citizens’ rights as mandated by the constitution and the principles of a modern rule-of-law state.

Achmadi said that this strengthening is evident with several regulations, including Article 29, which states that the LPSK may form a Special Task Force to carry out protection directly in the field.

“Including relocation to safe places, security, and escort as regulated in Article 28 paragraph (1),” he continued.

He added that this strengthening is also supported by the introduction of the Permanent Victim Fund as a sustainable funding source for compensation and recovery.

Achmadi said that this scheme provides certainty for victims to obtain their rights, especially when the perpetrator is unable to fulfil restitution obligations.

In addition, the UU PSDK also regulates the expansion of the LPSK’s regional offices as stipulated in Article 31 paragraph (2).