Commission XIII DPR Asks Police And Prosecutors To Be Involved In Witness Protection

Illustration of the DPR Building of the MPR Senayan Jakarta. (Between)

JAKARTA Member of Commission XIII DPR Mafirion, asked the police and prosecutors to be actively involved in the protection of witnesses and victims who have been handled by the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK). According to him, this step is important to strengthen institutions as well as increase security guarantees for witnesses and victims.

The involvement of the police and prosecutors should be an obligation, not just a request. Currently, LPSK must write for help. If the police want it, then protection is given, but if not, there is no inherent obligation," said Mafirion to reporters, Thursday, September 18.

Mafirion assessed that Law Number 31 of 2014 concerning the Second Amendment to the Witness and Victim Protection Law was still weak. According to him, the relationship between LPSK and law enforcement officials is only coordinative.

"This means that the protection still depends on the LPSK application, without the obligation of the apparatus. This is not enough," he explained.

Reflecting on other countries, Mafirion said, the protection system could be stronger if the police and prosecutors were required to be directly involved. "In Hong Kong and Korea, the police are required to provide protection, not only if requested. We can adapt this model," he said.

Therefore, he views that adjustments to regulations are important so that the police, prosecutors, and judiciary have an active role in the protection of witnesses and victims. "This will strengthen the courage of the community to provide legal information while at the same time maintaining justice for all parties," he said.

Meanwhile, from 2008 to 2024, LPSK noted that it had received 45,511 requests for protection from victim witnesses, reporters, perpetrator witnesses, to experts. According to Mafirion, this figure shows how much people need for effective protection.

"Certaining protection means ensuring security so that witnesses dare to speak as it is without worrying about threats or pressure. With the involvement of the police and prosecutors, protection will be more real and sustainable," he concluded.