The proposed Master of Law (MIH) program at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University, organized a field trip to the Yogyakarta Regional Office of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK). The field trip took place on Wednesday (November 26, 2025) as part of the Victimology course. The activity was attended by 60 MIH students and led by Sri Wiyanti Eddyono, S.H., LL.M.(HR)., Ph.D., as the course instructor. The visit aimed to provide firsthand experience regarding witness and victim protection mechanisms in Indonesia and to strengthen students’ understanding of the importance of victims’ roles within the criminal justice system.
In their presentation, representatives from the LPSK explained the agency’s mandate to provide physical, legal, and psychosocial protection for witnesses and victims, including the challenges faced in carrying out their duties, such as limited resources, the complexity of victims’ needs, and obstacles to coordination with law enforcement officials. Students gained firsthand insight into various forms of services, ranging from legal assistance, identity protection, and psychological recovery to the provision of restitution and compensation. This explanation broadened the students’ understanding of the urgency of victimology in legal practice and public policy, particularly in fostering a more humane and victim-responsive justice system.
Interactive discussion sessions provided a space for students to explore critical issues such as the effectiveness of victim protection in cases of gender-based violence, bureaucratic obstacles to fulfilling victims’ rights, and the need for an interdisciplinary approach in handling specific cases. Through this dialogue, students were able to identify gaps between legal norms and protection practices on the ground, as well as pinpoint strategic steps to strengthen victims’ access to justice.
This visit is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The activity supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by deepening students’ understanding of institutional mechanisms for providing protection and justice to victims. Furthermore, the educational aspect of this activity contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through experiential learning and a practical approach to the study of criminal law. Meanwhile, the collaboration between UGM and LPSK reflects a commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), particularly in efforts to strengthen institutional networks for more effective and victim-centered law enforcement.
Through this event, the UGM School of Law reaffirms its commitment to continuously integrating theoretical learning with empirical experience, equipping students with a critical perspective on the role of victim protection agencies, and encouraging the next generation of legal professionals to actively engage in strengthening restorative justice and a more inclusive justice system.
Author: Master of Laws Program, Universitas Gadjah Mada
