Ganjar Pranowo's Strategy To Prevent Sexual Harassment In Schools: Gather All Teachers, Install CCTV In Every Corner

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - Sexual violence and bullying that occurred in educational institutions have become a serious concern for the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo. He gave orders to all agencies to take steps to prevent similar cases from happening again, especially in Central Java.

Ganjar explained that this was the right moment to seriously pay attention to many issues related to women and children. In addition, in recent times many incidents of sexual violence and bullying have been reported. Moreover, in Central Java, cases of sexual violence perpetrated by teachers were also found, namely in Cilacap.

"Yesterday I asked the Women and Children Empowerment Office, it seems that our work has to be even harder. I ask the education office to gather all teachers and school principals, there should be no more stories like this," said Ganjar after being a resource person at the event "Talk to Penak Sareng Mas" Ganjar in commemoration of Mother's Day at the Gradhika Bhakti Praja Building, Thursday 16 December.

Ganjar asked that in every public space or which is difficult to reach, CCTV should be installed. This is because some cases of sexual violence are carried out in places where children should feel comfortable.

"If necessary, install CCTV in those schools. Otherwise we will be missed, even where children should feel comfortable, it becomes a dangerous place," he said.

In addition, Ganjar also said that the issue of women which is starting to be raised and discussed is the condition of economic pressure. He encouraged women to rise up and it was important to get assistance from the government.

"Today, our activities are more practical to encourage them to rise from adversity, let alone the economy. Many trainings are made, mentoring is carried out, access to capital is carried out and even data collection is carried out from the women's and children's office and then we marry them with the UMKM cooperative office and then make training including migrant workers, especially women from the labor service. That's what we are trying to encourage," he explained.

Regarding gender equality, Ganjar assesses that awareness must be built together. Understanding in the decision-making process must also pay attention to gender equality. For example, in Central Java, Musrenbang always involves and listens to inputs from groups of women, children, and people with disabilities.

Meanwhile, in the dialogue, Ganjar also listened to stories from Sulyati, representatives of women from Kendal, and Rima Astuti from assistant women to informal workers. Sulyati said that in her village it was very difficult to access health and other facilities. Gempol Sewu village, Kendal, is separated from the river so you have to use a boat to access public facilities such as health centers, hospitals, education, and others.

"Earlier there were questions and requests, Mr. Ganjar, I don't have good health facilities, so many people give birth on the way, in such modest transportation, maybe a bridge should also be built. Earlier, if I'm not mistaken in Kendal. to follow up," he explained.

Meanwhile, female workers' assistants from the informal sector said that those who work at home find it difficult to access BPJS.

"Of course, facilities from the government are important. I think that in future political trends, issues related to women and children need serious attention," he said.