Jakarta – The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has requested Rp 65 million (US$4,113) in financial compensation for former coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister Wiranto, who was stabbed during an alleged terror attack in Pandeglang, Banten, in October last year.
LPSK deputy chairman Maneger Nasution said the agency had submitted the request to a high court as Wiranto, who is now chairman of the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres), was eligible for compensation according to prevailing law.
Law No. 5/2018 on Terrorism stipulates an obligation for the state to provide compensation to victims of acts of terrorism. "Wiranto is a victim of terrorism. Therefore, the LPSK must ask for compensation for him," Maneger said on Friday as quoted by kompas.com.
He added that Wiranto had not asked for compensation, but the agency is required by law to request it for him. The regulation requires the agency to apply for compensation on behalf of victims even though the victims do not request it in the first place.
It also requires the LPSK to include a letter of statement from the police or the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) in submitting the request.
However, Maneger claimed that a statement from the police calling the stabbing against Wiranto a terror act would be enough. "It will depend on the judges whether they will grant our request," said Maneger.
Wiranto was stabbed in the stomach by a man identified as Syahrial Alamsyah, also known as Abu Rara, and his wife FA after an event in Sindanghayu village, Saketi subdistrict, Pandeglang on October 10, 2019. The attackers were both linked to the Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) terror group, which supports the Islamic State (IS).
Both attackers and another individual identified as Samsudin, also known as Ending, were named suspects for their respective roles in planning and carrying out the attack. The case is currently on trial at the South Jakarta District Court. (aly)