Victims Of Harassment Of Miss Universe Indonesia Finalists Meet PPPA Minister

Mellisa Anggraini's attorney when met at the South Jakarta District Court, Thursday (10/8/2023). ANTARA/Ilham Kausar

The attorney for victims of sexual harassment at the Mellisa Anggraini beauty pageant said that a number of victims had met with the Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati on Wednesday (9/8).

"So yesterday we brought the victims to meet with the Minister and they have been given support (support)," Mellisa said when met at the South Jakarta District Court as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, August 10.

Mellisa said Minister I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati appreciated the courage of the victims to report their cases to the authorities.

"What they are doing right now is an extraordinary thing, something that should be appreciated because this will break the chain, there should be no more victims like them in the future," Mellisa said, quoting the Minister of PPPA.

Mellisa also explained that PPPA Minister I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati also promised to provide the support and assistance needed.

"Yes, he gave support to me. Later he will facilitate related criminal experts if needed," he said.

Previously, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection was ready to oversee the legal process for cases of alleged sexual harassment at the Miss Universe Indonesia event and ensured that the victims received protection.

"I have communicated this with the National Police Chief and I convey it so that this case can be guarded thoroughly," said PPPA Minister Bintang Puspayoga.

His party, said Bintang, was concerned and regretted what happened to the beauty pageant participants.

"Of course, we deeply regret the alleged sexual harassment case by the committee on behalf of thebody checking process. The treatment that degrades women's dignity and this has violated human rights. Even though these victims participated in the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant for self-actualization, talent competition and personality to be expected to become the nation's ambassador," he said.