The DPR's Proposal Regarding Komnas Perempuan To Become An Independent Satker Is Considered A Breakthrough

JAKARTA - Female activist from the Sarinah Institute Luky Sandra Amalia welcomed the support of the Chairman of Commission XIII of the DPR, Willy Aditya, who encouraged Komnas Perempuan to become an independent work unit (satker) and no longer under Komnas HAM. If this happens, he sees this as a long-awaited breakthrough.

According to Amalia, Willy's statement reflects the potential for change of direction in legislative politics which has been considered less serious about strengthening institutions that handle issues of violence against women.

"If what Willy Aditya said is true, then this is good news for Komnas Perempuan and the struggle to eliminate violence against women. This shows that there is an initial commitment from the DPR to provide more space for institutions that focus on women's issues," said Luky Sandra Amalia, Friday, October 17.

Amalia said that the encouragement for Komnas Perempuan to stand independent had long been the aspirations of civil society and Komnas Perempuan itself. However, she said, this proposal often stagnated because it did not receive adequate political support from the DPR and the government.

"Therefore, the encouragement of Commission XIII of the DPR RI so that Komnas Perempuan can become an independent work unit and is no longer under Komnas HAM, of course, this is good news," said Amalia.

The researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) assessed that political support from the DPR needs to be proven through concrete steps, such as regulatory changes, budget strengthening, and institutional arrangements that provide more independent workspace for Komnas Perempuan. Amalia hopes that Willy can convince all factions in the DPR.

"Hopefully Sis Willy can also convince her colleagues in the DPR and the government to immediately realize the good news. This separation is needed so that Komnas Perempuan can work more focused on dealing with issues of violence against women," explained Amalia.

"By standing alone, Komnas Perempuan has a stronger institutional status and an equal budget. I think it is time for Komnas Perempuan to be more independent," he continued.

Amalia also assessed that political courage like this could be an indicator of the country's real commitment to protecting women.

"This DPR step, if really realized, will be a tangible form of state concern for women's issues. It has been too long since the issue of violence against women has been placed on the edge," said Amalia.

"Support for the strengthening of Komnas Perempuan shows that the state is starting to place this issue as the main agenda for protecting human rights," he added.

Amalia also emphasized that strengthening the institutions of Komnas Perempuan is very important to support the implementation of Law No. 12 of 2022 concerning the Crime of Sexual Violence or the TPKS Law effectively.

"The strengthening of the Komnas Perempuan institution is also important to strengthen her role in overseeing the implementation of the TPKS Law. Regarding her very crucial role, Komnas Perempuan really needs support from the DPR and the government to create a safe Indonesia," explained Amalia.

Amalia also invited the public to help oversee this plan. "This good idea, of course, requires support from all of us so that the good intentions of the chairman of Commission XIII of the DPR RI do not stop as a mere idea, but rather become a concrete step to strengthen Komnas HAM and the struggle to eliminate violence against women," he concluded.

Previously, the Chairman of Commission XIII DPR Willy Aditya encouraged Komnas Perempuan to immediately become an independent work unit (satker), no longer under Komnas HAM.

This step is considered important to strengthen the institutions of Komnas Perempuan, especially after the mandate and strategic role of this institution is explicitly stated in the TPKS Law.

"Commission XIII of the DPR RI will encourage Komnas Perempuan to become an independent satker, no longer under Komnas HAM. This is for institutional strengthening because it has been stated or a mandate in the TPKS Law," said Willy, Thursday, October 16.

According to the chairman of the DPR's Human Rights Commission, Komnas Perempuan has played a central role in the birth of the TPKS Law. Willy said this was a historical achievement that was born from the long work of social solidarity, not political compromise.

However, Willy, who is also the Chair of the TPKS Law Working Committee, emphasized that there are still many things that need to be overcome.

"The TPKS Law must be manifested in concrete actions and cross-sectoral social movements, including the world of education, cultural space, digital community, to the business sector," explained the legislator from the East Java XI electoral district.

"The TPKS Law cannot stop on paper. It must be a tool for the movement of a social instrument to change behavior, build awareness, and create practical genius that lives in the community," continued Willy.