LPSK Chairman Says The ITE Law Often Makes Victims Sued Back And Experiences Revictimization

Head of LPSK Hasto Atmojo Suroyo (Photo: lpsk.go.id)

JAKARTA - The head of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) Hasto Atmojo Suroyo said the victim often became a second victim because when she reported to the police, the suspect was reported again.

He said this in response to the victim of alleged sexual harassment within the Central Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), MS, who was reported back by the alleged perpetrator with the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE) for defamation.

"This is why the victim or his lawyer must be more vigilant. The ITE Law has many victims. In cases like this, victims often become victims again with counterclaims, revictimization. Therefore, he should act quickly. For example, the police report it has been done, for example, if you need LPSK protection, you should immediately go to LPSK," said Hasto during a conversation with VOI, Wednesday, September 8.

He explained, when the victim is protected by the LPSK, the LPSK will try to communicate with law enforcement so that the main case is resolved first. However, if the LPSK is not protected, it is possible for the victim and his lawyer to seek it from law enforcement officers.

"My appeal to law enforcement officers is to prioritize the spirit of a better victim's perspective. So the alignment of the victim is higher so that the victim does not experience revictimization," he said.

Furthermore, Hasto said that this defamation report is a matter of people who feel defamation. However, he reminded, Article 10 of the Witness and Victim Protection Law explains that a witness or victim cannot be prosecuted civilly or criminally.

"If he is protected by the LPSK, of course the LPSK will try to do that. So if there is a back report, we will ask law enforcement officials to prioritize the main case first than the back report case," said Hasto.

Hasto explained that currently, LPSK has not received a protection application from MS. However, LPSK has also been proactive by opening communication with MS to offer assistance.

"We have communicated since September 2 via telephone or WA, the person concerned said yesterday he was still at the police BAP for his report. Then there were still health problems because he was checked at the hospital first and he promised to come with his lawyer, but so far we haven't, now we Of course, we have made proactive efforts to contact him first because there is so much news. But if the person concerned does not submit an application, it is difficult for us to force it, "he said.