Whenever a video of violence goes viral on social media, public comments immediately flood in. But the public rarely knows what legal category such acts fall under, which articles of the law apply, and where victims can file a report. This article aims to answer all those questions—using straightforward language and real-life examples from cases that once shocked Indonesia.
What is violence under the law?
Simply put, violence is any act that causes another person to suffer—whether physically, psychologically, or both—without justification and in violation of the law. It doesn’t have to involve bloodshed to be considered violence. Threats that instill fear, psychological pressure that causes trauma, or even forcing someone to do something against their will—all of these fall under this category.
Forms of violence protected by law:
- Physical: Hitting, kicking, slapping, confinement
- Bullying: Bullying by individuals or groups
- Psychological: Threats, intimidation, repeated insults
- Cyber: Threats & intimidation via digital media
We can see a real-life example in the 2024 bullying incident involving Dr. Aulia Risma, a PPDS student at Undip, and the chronology of how seniors became a source of terror
In August 2024, Indonesia was shaken after a doctor participating in the Specialist Medical Education Program (PPDS) in Anesthesiology at Diponegoro University, Dr. Aulia Risma Lestari (30), was found dead in her dorm room. In her diary, she wrote about the intense pressure from her seniors. It later came to light that there were allegations of systematic bullying and extortion during her training. Three suspects—including the Head of the Program and a senior doctor—were eventually arrested in May 2025, facing criminal charges carrying a maximum sentence of 9 years in prison. This case opened the public’s eyes: bullying isn’t just a problem in children’s schools; it can occur in any professional environment.
Based on the case above, there are several laws that can serve as a shield to protect victims of violence
- Articles 351–355 of the Criminal Code: Physical assault
- Article 170 of the Criminal Code: Violence in public
- Law No. 35/2014: Child protection
- Law No. 17/2023: Health and medical education
- Law No. 11/2008 (ITE): Cyber threats/intimidation
- Article 368 of the Criminal Code: Extortion accompanied by threats
How do you report an incident of violence?
- Ensure your safety first: Stay away from the perpetrator and find a safe place. The victim’s safety is the top priority above all else.
- Document the evidence: Take photos of injuries, save threatening messages, and note the date and any witnesses. Strong evidence speeds up the legal process.
- Go to the nearest police station: File a Police Report (LP) at the Integrated Police Service Center (SPKT). There is no fee, and your report must be accepted.
- Request a medical examination if there are physical injuries: A medical examination report (Visum et Repertum) from a doctor or hospital is highly compelling official medical evidence in court.
- Seek legal assistance: Contact the local Legal Aid Institute (LBH) or the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) if you feel the process is unfair. Free legal aid is available for those who cannot afford it.
Laws are not created to stifle expression, but to ensure everyone feels safe in public spaces. Understanding the rules of the law regarding violence is the most effective form of self-protection. Let us remember that behind the outburst of emotions, there is a law that is always watching.