PROTECTION OF WITNESSES AND VICTIMS IN THE PROCESS OF PROVIDING EVIDENCE IN COURT
Keywords:
Witness Protection, Victim Protection, Proof, Criminal Justice System, JusticeAbstract
Witness and victim protection is a fundamental aspect of the modern criminal justice system, serving to ensure justice, truth, and legal certainty. This study uses a normative juridical approach to analyze the forms of legal protection, obstacles to its implementation, and efforts to optimize it within the context of the Indonesian criminal justice system. The study found that witness and victim protection is regulated through various legal instruments, including Law Number 31 of 2014, the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), and the Regulation concerning the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK). These forms of protection include physical, psychological, and socioeconomic protection. However, its implementation still faces structural, procedural, and implementation barriers. The study concludes that optimizing protection requires harmonization of laws and regulations, increased capacity of implementing agencies, and strengthened commitment from all stakeholders. These efforts are crucial for creating a justice system that is responsive to the fundamental rights of witnesses and victims, while simultaneously increasing the effectiveness of law enforcement in Indonesia.
References
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Agustine, Siti Nur. 2018. "Witness Protection in the Indonesian Criminal Justice System: A Human Rights Perspective", Progressive Law Journal, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 198-215.
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Ramdhani, Ahmad, and Syukriawati. 2020. "Obstacles and Solutions in the Implementation of Witness and Victim Protection by LPSK at the Medan High Court", Journal of Library and Science, Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 267-289.
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Sitepu, Maryana. 2023. "Harmonization of Legal Norms for Witness and Victim Protection between the Criminal Procedure Code and Law Number 31 of 2014", Indonesian Journal of Legal Education, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 88-105.
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Legislation
The 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.
Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). Law Number 8 of 1981.
Law Number 31 of 2014 concerning Protection of Witnesses and Victims.
Government Regulation Number 43 of 2017 concerning the Implementation of Witness and/or Victim Protection Carried out by the Witness and Victim Protection Agency.
Regulation of the Head of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency Number 2 of 2018 concerning Procedures for Applying for Protection.
Supreme Court Circular Letter Number 1 of 2019 concerning Information Services and Protection of Witnesses and Victims in Court Trials
