The Witness and Victim Protection Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (LPSK RI) held an outreach event on witness and victim protection services in collaboration with the Faculty of Law at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU). The event took place on Wednesday (June 4) at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
LPSK Vice Chairperson Sri Suparyati, S.H., L.LM, served as the keynote speaker, delivering insights into LPSK’s role in strengthening the national system for protecting witnesses and victims.
The event was officially opened by UMSU Vice Rector I, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, M.Hum, who emphasized the importance of synergy between academic institutions and state agencies.
“LPSK cannot work alone. Collaboration with various institutions, including universities, is crucial. Especially since LPSK doesn’t yet have representation in every city, it’s an honor for us to learn from LPSK’s expertise,” he said.
Prof. Arifin also expressed hope that the partnership between UMSU and LPSK would continue to grow, with both sides working together to develop innovative approaches to protect not only witnesses and victims, but also LPSK as an institution.
“There must be breakthroughs so LPSK can carry out its demanding responsibilities effectively. The Faculty of Law has already been contributing to this mission—we share the responsibility to protect LPSK from irresponsible parties,” he added.
Previously, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Faisal, S.H., M.Hum, stated that UMSU has offered a course on witness and victim protection since 2016. In addition to teaching, UMSU has actively engaged in assisting victims.
“We hope our students will volunteer and take real action in supporting and protecting witnesses and victims,” said Dr. Faisal.
He also commended LPSK’s courage in protecting key witnesses, including those involved in cases against state officials. He emphasized the importance of this bravery to encourage public trust. The Dean also urged LPSK to expand its services to include victims of forced evictions and expressed the faculty’s readiness to assist LPSK.
During her presentation, LPSK Vice Chairperson Sri Suparyati underscored the agency’s commitment to building partnerships with stakeholders in carrying out its mission.
“We cannot do this alone. Collaboration is the key to ensuring comprehensive protection for witnesses and victims,” she stated.
She explained that LPSK was only established in 2008 due to the complex legal and political context at the time.
“In legal cases, the focus is often on the perpetrator, while the victim also plays a crucial role. When witnesses and victims feel threatened, protection becomes essential. That’s what led to the creation of LPSK,” she explained.
LPSK’s legal foundation was initially Law No. 13 of 2006, later amended to Law No. 31 of 2014.
“The changes were significant—initially, there was no provision for medical assistance. Now, protections include physical security, psychological support, translation services, legal counsel, transportation costs, and most importantly, legal protection,” explained Sri Suparyati.
The event was also attended by the Head of LPSK’s Medan Regional Office, Erlince Ully Artha Tobing; LPSK staff member Putri Nahdatul Hasanah; Vice Chairperson’s ADC Brigpol Eriksian Sitorus; Witness and Victim Protection Officer Fikri Anugerah; and members of the LPSK Public Relations team. From UMSU, the Head of the Faculty of Law Administration Office and hundreds of enthusiastic students were also present.
As a token of appreciation and to strengthen cooperation, UMSU Vice Rector I and the Dean of the Faculty of Law presented souvenirs to the Vice Chairperson of LPSK RI.
