New Consumer Protection Agency Involves Academics

The deliberation process of Draft Bill (“ RUU PK ”) on the Amendment to Law No. 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection (“ UU PK ”) has received suggestion from various parties. Akhmad Budi Cahyono, lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia, conveyed his suggestion to Commission VI of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) regarding the consumer protection agency.

According to Akhmad, under the current draft, the new agency would have a stronger position as it would be directly under the President of the Republic of Indonesia. He believes that accountability to the President is necessary for the agency to have the authority to take enforcement actions.

"Regarding the consumer protection agency, I believe it holds significant authority as it directly under the President," he told Hukumonline.

Akhmad explained that the draft outlines the structure of the agency, which includes business actors to academics. The consumer protection agency will have functions covering design, supervision, and dispute resolution.

"If we look at its authorities, duties, and functions, they are quite extensive, from designing, supervising and resolving dispute. This is truly an extraordinary institution," he added.