Rieke Pitaloka: Employer Violence Cases Cannot Be Resolved via Restorative Justice

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), stated that cases of violence committed by employers against domestic workers cannot be resolved through a restorative justice (RJ) approach. Rieke noted that the violence experienced by victims leaves serious impacts, not only physical injuries but also psychological trauma.

“Acts of violence such as physical assault, regardless of the cause, cannot be resolved solely through restorative justice. There is psychological trauma involved,” she said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.

As a legislator specialising in human rights, Rieke is currently assisting two domestic workers, identified by the initials H and N, who are victims of alleged violence by an employer who is the former wife of a prominent national celebrity. Rieke and the victims have held an audience regarding the case with the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LKP).

She explained that the case involves not only physical violence but also mental pressure resulting from the legal process and media scrutiny. After the victims reported the matter to the police, the reported party allegedly filed a counter-report against the victims for defamation and slander.

“We will continue to monitor and provide attention to this case,” she remarked. Rieke added that domestic workers are labourers who possess the right to safety, dignity, and legal protection. Therefore, there must be no violence, insults, or abuse of power against workers for any reason.

The Parliament is also paying close attention to this case. Commission III of the DPR RI, which oversees law enforcement, held a public hearing (RDPU) with the LPSK, the victims, and their legal counsel. The hearing took place at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday afternoon.