Prosecutors Consider Victim's Testimony in Taufik Hidayat Trial

Public Prosecutors (JPU) are considering the presence of the victim, YTR (29), to provide testimony during the trial of Taufik Hidayat (30) at the Bale Bandung District Court, Bandung Regency.

The Head of the General Crimes Section of the Bandung Regency District Attorney’s Office, Nizar Febriansyah, stated in Bandung on Wednesday that the authorities are still reviewing the victim’s condition before determining the mechanism for providing testimony in court.

“Regarding the victim, we are reviewing it. We will discuss it later because we must assess the situation,” he said.

“During the second stage, the individual was still experiencing trauma and undergoing medical treatment. Therefore, we must continue to coordinate with the hospital to see if they can provide testimony,” he added.

According to Nizar, the prosecutors are considering the victim’s rights when determining the examination mechanism to ensure that providing testimony does not interfere with the victim’s recovery process.

“Certainly, with methods that are possible. They could attend in person or via Zoom. The important thing is that the victim’s rights are protected,” said Nizar.

He added that the victim’s presence will still be considered to assist the panel of judges in obtaining direct testimony regarding the charges brought against the defendant.

Nizar stated that the testimony is expected to be provided in a manner that maintains protection for the victim throughout the examination process in court.

“This is so the victim can explain everything clearly and openly, while their rights are still being upheld. That is all,” he said.

The case has now entered the trial stage after the prosecutors read the indictment against Taufik Hidayat regarding allegations of sexual violence, assault, and unlawful detention against YTR.