Graduate students from the Litigation Law Master’s Program at the Faculty of Law, Universitas Gadjah Mada, organized a legal outreach event attended by 28 participants from the Criminal Investigation Unit (Sat Reskrim) of Yogyakarta Police on Thursday, (4/9/2024). The event's theme was “Shifting the Paradigm of Investigators in Handling Cases Involving Persons with Disabilities to Achieve Inclusive and Accessible Law Enforcement at Yogyakarta Police.”
Penyuluhan Hukum tersebut menghadirkan dua narasumber, yakni Sarli Zuhendra, S.H., M.H., selaku Advokat SIGAP (Sarana Inklusi dan Gerakan Advokasi Difable) dan Dicky Eliakim Siringoringo, S.H., selaku Direktur Riset dan Edukasi Analyzed Law and Policy.
Sarli discussed the importance of conducting assessments for persons with disabilities involved in legal matters, particularly in criminal cases at the Yogyakarta City Police, whether as perpetrators, victims, or witnesses. Assessments must be conducted to ensure that the resolution of criminal cases is based on justice. Furthermore, Sarli explained that while assessments can be done just once, if investigators still have doubts, they can be conducted multiple times.
In addition, investigators can also contact and consult with organizations specializing in persons with disabilities. This is crucial as these organizations can accurately determine whether an individual is truly disabled or not. Disability organizations have special methods of communication with people with disabilities.
Sarli shared an experience where a disabled suspect, involved in a criminal case, had reached the prosecutor's office at stage two of the process. The prosecutor was unaware that the suspect had a disability and reacted harshly. This incident revealed a lack of awareness in handling cases involving persons with disabilities, as the investigator had failed to inform the prosecutor of the suspect’s condition.
The second speaker, Dicky, explained that the prosecutor’s office has guidelines (Prosecutor's Regulation No. 2 of 2023) for providing reasonable accommodation and handling cases involving persons with disabilities in an accessible and inclusive manner during court proceedings. However, the police do not have any internal regulations addressing the rights of people with disabilities. Dicky emphasized the need for training and awareness, internal regulation development, and system strengthening within the police force.
The legal counseling is expected to contribute to the achievement of Reduced Inequalities, as the investigators from the Criminal Investigation Unit (Sat Reskrim) of the Yogyakarta City Police gained important knowledge on the need for assessments for persons with disabilities facing criminal proceedings, whether they are perpetrators, victims, or witnesses. Sustainable Cities and Communities can also be promoted by creating inclusive cities and settlements, as investigators gain more understanding when handling criminal cases involving persons with disabilities.
Based on the 2022 data from the Yogyakarta City Population and Civil Registration Office, there are over 20,000 individuals with disabilities, both physical and mental. This initiative also supports Peace and Justice Strong Institutions, as it aims to create strong peace and justice for persons with disabilities involved in legal matters in Yogyakarta City. For the police institution, it can help build a stronger institution by increasing knowledge about persons with disabilities and fostering relations with disability organizations.
Penulis: Muhammad Irsyad Faqih Adnan, Noering Ratu Fatheha Fauziah, Frans Ricoras, M. Kenza Radhya E.A., Andi Eli Budoman Logo (Penerima Hibah Penyuluhan Hukum Mahasiswa)
Editor: PR
