VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

World Consumer Rights Day (HHKS) is commemorated in Indonesia and 130 other countries on every March 15th. The initial stipulation of Consumer Rights Day was from the speech of the former US President, John F. Kennedy on March 15, 1962. It was stated that consumers are the largest economic group that influences and is influenced by almost every public and private economic decision. However, they are the only important group whose views are not heard. Thus, Consumers International as an organization that fights for the rights of international consumers has set this date as the day of consumer rights worldwide. Of course, the commemoration of consumer rights day is the right moment as a reminder to increase consumer protection in various countries, including in Indonesia.

In Indonesia, the rights of a consumer are regulated in Law No. 8/1999 regarding with Indonesian Consumer Protection. The efforts made by the government in protecting consumer rights are by stipulating regulations, conducting regular supervision and taking firm actions against consumer rights violations. Therefore, the aim of establishing a National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) is to protect consumer rights. The Government and consumers are expected to be critical and brave. Thus, business actors will always pay attention to regulations in protecting consumers, such as in the pre-production phase, offers, transaction and post-transaction and provision of good services for consumers.

The rights to choose goods, to receive compensation, to be served and treated properly without discrimination, as well as the rights to obtain information properly are main parts of the consumers’ rights. It is very important for consumers to know main information regarding the products they buy. Manufacturers are not allowed to cover some information regarding their products or services. In this digital era, consumers must actually benefit a lot from the application of various features and information.

If the Government carries out formal protection through the National Consumer Protection Agency, the Non-governmental Consumer Protection Agency

(LPKSM) can be a motor for protecting consumers’ rights by providing advocacy, mediation and assistance to the consumers.

If the synergy among the government, business-people, consumers, and the Non-governmental Consumer Protection Agency goes well, of course the position of consumers will be elevated and consumer rights can be guaranteed.