Witness and Victim Protection Law Regulates Permanent Victim Fund, LPSK Ensures It Does Not Replace Perpetrator's Obligations

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has assured that the Permanent Victim Fund regulated in the Witness and Victim Protection Law (UU PSDK) will not replace the perpetrator’s obligations to the victim. “We assure that this fund is not intended to replace the perpetrator’s obligations,” said Deputy Chair of LPSK, Sri Nurherwati, in her statement on Friday (24/4/2026). “The state steps in when victims face obstacles in fulfilling their rights, so this fund functions to accelerate victim recovery,” she added. For information, the Permanent Victim Fund in the UU PSDK is regulated under Article 13, which states that the government provides and manages the fund as part of the state’s permanent funds. Its management will be handled by the ministry responsible for financial affairs. Meanwhile, the proceeds from its management will be used by LPSK to support victim recovery services in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. According to Nurherwati, the Permanent Victim Fund is projected as an umbrella funding source for victims accessing LPSK protection. “This permanent fund is expected to serve as an umbrella for victims seeking protection from LPSK. This is important because we also have a mandate regarding victim assistance funds, so both become inseparable sources of funding for victim recovery and services,” she stated. It was explained that LPSK’s authority remains unchanged, namely to assess and calculate restitution. However, the regulations are now more comprehensive compared to the previous law, particularly regarding the submission mechanism and components of loss compensation. Under the new provisions, restitution can be filed through two channels: before the court decision and after the decision gains legal force. Susilaningtias explained that this strengthening also includes the obligations of law enforcement officials—investigators, public prosecutors, and judges—to inform victims of their restitution rights and facilitate their submission.