The Rise Of Sexual Violence, Speaker Of The House Of Representatives Asks The Government To Build A Warning System In Public Spaces

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani assessed that cases of sexual violence that have recently occurred in the country must receive extraordinary handling. Not only focusing on law enforcement, but according to her, handling must be accompanied by concrete prevention efforts.

"Sexual violence cases in Indonesia that are already like icebergs need a comprehensive, structured handling, including how the State builds a system that can prevent sexual crimes from happening from the start," said Puan Maharani, Wednesday, April 30.

For example, continued Puan, the government through the relevant ministries can build an early security and warning system in public spaces. And the social environment, especially those that are prone to becoming places for hunting for sexual predators. Especially for children and women who are often victims of sexual violence.

"We can adopt from friendly countries. In a number of developed countries, the child protection system has been equipped with social alarms, digital tracking, to strict control of online content and activities targeting children. Indonesia must immediately follow," he said.

Puan assessed that such a warning system facility could reduce cases of sexual violence little by little. Moreover, he said, Indonesia is in a state of emergency sexual violence which targets many girls.

"So there must be breakthroughs made by the State, including through steps to create a warning system against the threat of sexual violence," said Puan.

Just like natural disasters, we have an early warning system. A method like this must also be created to reduce the bad effects that have the potential to occur. How and how, this must be a joint work of relevant stakeholders," he added.

As is known, recently a 21-year-old youth in Jepara, Central Java, was arrested by the police for committing cases of online-based sexual violence (KBGO).

The sexual predator allegedly recorded sexual activity of the victim who was still a teenager and blackmailed the victim with threats of spreading their video. The victim reached dozens of ABGs aged 12, 14, to 18 years.

Not only that, a ustaz or young preacher in Medan City, North Sumatra (North Sumatra) with the initials AHA (34) is suspected of also molesting a student with the initials N (18). On this suspicion, AHA was reported to the North Sumatra Police.

Puan also expressed concern over the events that occurred in Jepara and Medan. He hopes that the perpetrators will receive strict criminal sanctions.

"The perpetrator must be rewarded for his actions according to the applicable law. And I remind stakeholders to ensure protection for the victims," said Puan.

Puan also encourages policies that ensure the safety and comfort of children through technological integration, involvement of local officials, and community supervision. He also encourages the active involvement of the community, schools, and local figures in maintaining a safe environment for children and adolescents.

"The government must build a climate that makes children and women feel safe when outside the home or when they are in mobility," said Puan.

"Collaboration across sectors ranging from the central and regional governments, legal apparatus, educational institutions, community leaders, to families in creating a child protection ecosystem is needed," he concluded.