Strengthening LPSK's Role in Managing Victims' Endowment Funds

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) will have its role strengthened as a consequence of the Witness and Victim Protection Bill (RUU-PSDK).

DPR RI emphasises that LPSK’s role will be institutionally strengthened as an independent agency that actively provides protection to the public, including one of its roles in managing victims’ endowment funds.

Based on the eight key points of the RUU-PSDK read out by Commission XIII of DPR RI, four of them concern the role and strengthening of LPSK.

First, LPSK is a state institution that needs to be strengthened institutionally as an independent entity that actively provides protection to the public.

Second, victims’ endowment funds are provided to finance victim recovery and will be managed by LPSK from various sources.

Third, strengthening LPSK by establishing LPSK representatives in provinces and regencies/municipalities. In addition, LPSK will also be strengthened by forming deputy positions, an inspectorate, and the ability to form special task forces.

Fourth, in providing protection to witnesses, perpetrator witnesses, victims, reporters, informants, and/or experts, LPSK coordinates with investigators, public prosecutors, and/or judges at every stage of the judicial process.

Chairman of Commission XIII Willy Aditya stated that the RUU-PSDK affirms that the state is obliged to be present in ensuring adequate protection for witnesses, victims, reporters, up to experts who are often threatened to the point of endangering their lives.

“Philosophically, sociologically, and juridically, this RUU-PSDK reaffirms that the state is obliged to ensure adequate protection for witnesses and victims, including reporters, informants, and/or experts as parties at risk of threats to their lives,” said Willy during the session.

Willy also revealed that the current RUU-PSDK is being drafted to replace Law No. 31 of 2014, which he considers no longer relevant to field occurrences.

“The current protection framework does not fully address field needs, so a re-regulation is needed through the replacement of Law No. 31 of 2014, which amends Law No. 13 of 2006 on Witness and Victim Protection,” he said.