The United Nations and Indonesia Stand in Solidarity With all Victims of Terrorism

Remembering and honouring all victims of terrorism as part of the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2020

The United Nations (UN) through its peace initiative in Indonesia (Guyub Project) joined forces with the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) to further support victims and survivors of terrorism, in the spirit of the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

As the COVID-19 crisis has affected all of us, people who suffer from the legacy of terrorist attacks must cope with this pandemic on top of the challenges thrust upon them by terrorism. Against this backdrop, the UN, together with LPSK, provided a platform (webinar) where victims of terrorism were invited to share their experiences and give their testimony. A moment of silence was also held in recognition of all victims and survivors of terrorism, which is now initiated as a National Moment of Silence to be held each year in Indonesia, launched by LSPK

The international observance falls every 21 August. It is a bold reminder of the importance of standing in solidarity with victims and survivors of terrorism. “A fundamental component of any effective response to terrorism is upholding the rights and needs of victims and survivors,” said Collie F. Brown, Country Manager of UNODC in Indonesia and Liaison to ASEAN. He added, “This annual occasion provides the UN and our close partners to stop and reflect on the experiences of victims and survivors, as well as to ask ourselves some hard questions – what can we do better to recognise their tremendous sacrifice?”.

LPSK Chief Hasto Atmojo Suroyo stated that the commemoration day for the victims and survivors of terrorism is an important occasion. Furthermore, Chief Hasto noted that the government support for the victims of terrorism is increasing after the issuance of Government Regulations (PP) No. 35 2020, which changes the PP No.7/2018 regarding the compensation, restitution, and assistance to witness and victim. With these more facilitate laws, LPSK and other related agencies can directly take quick steps as they provide a pathway towards optimising the fulfilment of victims’ rights.

The new legislative developments provide a valuable opportunity for victims of terrorism who have not yet received full compensation in respect of attacks that occurred in the past due to the fact that the trial process at the time did not involve sufficient documentation by the judicial authorities. LPSK notes that the new regulation is an important development for addressing this gap.

Chief Hasto remarked that the implementation of LPSK mandate according to National Law (UU) No. 31 in 2014 has involved the provision of protection to the victims of terrorism through medical, psychological, and psychosocial assistance. LPSK recorded that some victims from Bali Bombs I and II, the Australian Embassy Bomb, JW Marriott, Thamrin, and Kampung Melayu incidents until the Samarinda bomb explosions have received the various of assistance.

The event took place online. It was funded by the Guyub Project. This is a joint project to prevent violent extremism in East Java that is implemented by UNODC, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women. For more information about the Guyub Project, please contact Peacehub@un.or.id.

For further information, please contact:

• UNODC Indonesia : Avezia Ariane (avezia.ariane@un.org)
• Witness and Victim Protection Agency : Tiara Rachmawati (tiara.rachmawati@lpsk.go.id)