MP Proposes Bill on Control of Hazardous Substances to Prevent Acid Attack Cases

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A member of Commission III of the House of Representatives, Abdullah, has proposed a Draft Law (RUU) on the Control of Hazardous Substances to prevent crimes committed using sulphuric acid that result in victims suffering burns.

According to Minister of Home Affairs Regulation (Permendagri) No. 20 of 2025, he stated that the regulation of hazardous substances is still limited to aspects of trade or distribution. Meanwhile, control at the downstream level has not been regulated strictly.

“The misuse of sulphuric acid needs to be regulated through legislation. This is to close the loopholes in the use of sulphuric acid, which so far has only touched on trade aspects,” said Abdullah in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He assessed that the recurring acid crimes are caused by the fact that the substance is easily obtainable and relatively cheap. Therefore, the existence of specific regulations is urgent because the impact of acid on victims not only damages the physical body but can also permanently destroy the psyche and identity of the victim.

For this reason, he proposed that the law regulate a digital system that records the identity of buyers and the purpose of using hazardous substances. That mechanism is important to ensure that hazardous materials do not fall into the wrong hands.

In addition to prevention aspects, he also emphasised the importance of protection for victims. According to him, many victims of acid pouring crimes have not yet received adequate compensation and recovery.

“The impact on victims must be regulated firmly, including how victims obtain compensation and recovery, both physically, psychologically, and in terms of identity,” he said.

He stated that several other countries already have specific laws regulating the control of acid or other hazardous substances, such as Bangladesh, the UK, and several other countries in Europe.

After having such legislation, according to him, acid pouring cases in those countries have decreased significantly, both in cases of domestic violence, group conflicts, and attacks on certain individuals.

“Indonesia needs to immediately enact such a law before more victims suffer physical, psychological, and identity damage due to weak regulations,” he said.