There Is A Potential Threat, LPSK Gives Protection To Tempo Journalists

JAKARTA - The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) decided to provide protection for Nurhadi, a Tempo journalist who was a victim of persecution in Surabaya, East Java.

The decision to protect journalists who are victims of persecution is suspected of being carried out by a number of officers, determined through the LPSK Leadership Court Session on Monday, April 5, 2021.

Deputy Chairman of the LPSK, Edwin Partogi Pasaribu, revealed that the victim who later became protected by the LPSK was decided to receive physical protection and fulfillment of procedural rights with several considerations.

He explained that, first, this case attracted public attention. Second, this case relates to the victim's profession as a journalist, who was subjected to acts of maltreatment while carrying out journalistic duties.

"Third, there are allegations of involvement of elements of the apparatus in the persecution case. In addition, there are potential threats to witnesses and victims. Apart from victims, LPSK also provides protection for witnesses, ”said Edwin in a written statement in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, April 4.

According to Edwin, by providing protection for victims and witnesses in the case, LPSK hopes that law enforcers, in this case the East Java Regional Police, can work optimally to thoroughly investigate this case.

In addition, said Edwin, the East Java Regional Police, who are also LPSK partners, are expected to prioritize the rights of victims. One of the rights of witnesses and victims, cannot be prosecuted legally, either criminal or civil, for the testimony and / or report that they will, are being, or have given.

"We advise the witness and other related parties to be consistent, guard law enforcement against cases of violence experienced by Tempo journalists," said Edwin.

Edwin also reminded certain people or parties who enforce their will using force or certain methods that cause witnesses and / or victims to not receive protection, or prevent witnesses and / or victims from receiving protection or assistance, can be sentenced to prison as regulated in Article 37 and 38 Law Number 31 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law Number 13 of 2006 concerning Protection of Witnesses and Victims.

Previously, LPSK made proactive efforts to support efforts to resolve the persecution case against Nurhadi, a TEMPO journalist in Surabaya. On March 30, 2021, the LPSK review team led by LPSK Deputy Chairperson Edwin Partogi Pasaribu visited Tempo journalists who were suspected of being mistreated by the perpetrators, among them the police.

Proactively, LPSK collected a number of statements and examined witnesses. Then, the LPSK team also coordinated with the East Java Regional Police Chief.

Based on the information that was collected, information was obtained that there were allegations of assault or assault as well as threats of violence against Tempo journalists who were carrying out their profession. In addition, based on the compiled chronology, allegations of press crimes were also found.