Indonesia to compensate, protect victims of past terrorist acts

Illustration of bomb. (Shutterstock/Fer Gregory)

JAKARTA — The Indonesian government is set to grant protection and compensation to people were impacted by past acts of terrorism at home and abroad.

The move – stipulated in Government Regulation (PP) No. 35/2020 on the amendment of PP No. 7/2018 on compensation, restitution and support for victims and witnesses – entails wide-ranging state support, which also includes the protection and psychological rehabilitation of children of victims and witnesses.

Presidential expert staff member Dini Shanti Purwono said the regulation, issued on July 8, was proof of the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of Indonesian citizens affected by terrorism.

“The government understands the difficulty and pain experienced by the families of terrorism victims. Therefore, the regulation has been amended to alleviate their financial burden,” Dini said in a statement on Monday.

Terror victims, witnesses and survivors – or their inheritors – may apply for financial compensation through the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK).

The application may be submitted at the start of the investigation of the terror case at the earliest, or prior to sentencing at the latest. The sum granted to the victims will be determined by the LPSK, according to Dini.

State support for terror victims was legally stipulated also prior to the issuance of the latest regulation.

Law No. 5/2018 on Terrorism stipulates an obligation for the state to provide compensation to victims of acts of terrorism.

The regulation requires that the LPSK apply for compensation on behalf of victims even if the victims do not request it in the first place.