Aligning with KUHAP, the Government Refines RUU on Witness Protection

The Government is currently deliberating a draft bill on Witness and Victim Protection (Pelindungan Saksi dan Korban- “ RUU PSDK ”), which has been prepared to replace Law No.13 of 2006 on Witness and Victim Protection, as amended by Law No. 31 of 2014 (collectively referred to as “ Law 13/2006 ”). This legislative instrument is expected to introduce significant reforms to the witness and victim protection system by emphasizing a restorative and rehabilitative justice approach.

“At present, the process is focused on substantive deliberations of the List of Issues (Daftar Inventarisasi Masalah/DIM) and on refining the formulation of the provisions contained in RUU PSDK,” said Hendra Kurnia Putra, Director of Drafting of Laws and Regulations at the Directorate General of Laws and Regulations (DJPP) of the Ministry of Law, in an interview with Hukumonline.

Based on the draft obtained by Hukumonline, the draft bill would expand the scope of protected subjects beyond witnesses and victims alone. It also aligns with Law No. 20 of 2025 on the new Criminal Procedural Law (“ KUHAP ”) by including cooperating witnesses (justice collaborators), reporters, informants, and experts as parties entitled to comprehensive protection from the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (Lembaga Pelindungan Saksi dan Korban- “ LPSK ”).