Mahfud MD: LPSK's Work Must Be Quiet, Protect Victims And Witnesses Of Crime

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD stated that the existence of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) is very important and substantive to ensure legal protection for witnesses and victims in resolving cases.

"LPSK is designed as an independent, independent institution, and its work is not interfered with from any power. LPSK can work and cannot be dictated by anyone," said Mahfud while giving a public lecture on the celebration of the 13th Anniversary of LPSK online quoted by Antara, Tuesday, August 31.

Mahfud said that LPSK's work is based on Law Number 13 of 2006 concerning the Protection of Witnesses and Victims as amended by Law no. 31 of 2014.

"The LPSK's work must be carried out in secret, concerning crime victims who must be protected, regarding witnesses to crimes that must be protected," said Mahfud.

Mahfud reminded that LPSK must clearly place an institutional position that is between two interests, namely the interests mandated by the Law on the Protection of Witnesses and Victims who are independent. However, LPSK must also carry out a second interest, namely running programs that are supported by related institutions.

"Which in practice creates a wedge of authority with the agency," said Mahfud.

Mahfud hopes that LPSK will continue to carry out its main duties and functions in protecting witnesses and victims together with law enforcement and ensuring the fulfillment of the human rights of witnesses and victims in the justice system in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Head of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) Hasto Atmojo Suroyo said that in the midst of a pandemic situation that resulted in inevitable changes, the LPSK's working mechanism would continue to be improved in order to be able to survive and adapt, especially in the protection of witnesses and victims.

"LPSK remains committed to continuing to work optimally in carrying out the task of protecting and recovering witnesses and victims," said Hasto.

Public support for LSPK's work, he said, would also contribute a great deal of energy to carry out the task of protecting and recovering witnesses and victims in Indonesia.