Investigate thoroughly! DPR: Sexual violence in Ponpes Pati is a serious human rights violation

Illustration of sexual violence (Antara)

Member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mafirion, strongly condemned the alleged sexual crime committed by a member of a boarding school in Pati, Central Java, against dozens of female students. He emphasized that this incident was not just a common crime, but a serious violation of Human Rights (HAM).

"We condemn this sexual crime. The state must be present actively. The role of state institutions such as the LPSK, Komnas HAM, Komnas Perempuan, and KPAI is very crucial and cannot be delayed any longer," Mafirion said, Wednesday, May 6.

Mafirion assessed that the action was a clear violation of the right to security, human dignity, and the right to be free from sexual violence. Moreover, according to him, most of the victims are minors.

"So this is a serious violation of the constitution and child protection laws," he said.

This PKB legislator also asked the LPSK, Komnas HAM, Komnas Perempuan, and KPAI to immediately take proactive steps to reach the victims without having to wait for a formal report. He emphasized the importance of protecting identity and ensuring physical security to prevent intimidation or revictimization during the legal process.

"LPSK must facilitate restitution and compensation for victims, as well as ensure long-term social rehabilitation. Coordination with law enforcement must continue to be carried out so that the judicial process is truly on the side of the victims," said Mafirion.

Mafirion also encouraged Komnas HAM and other child protection agencies to conduct an independent investigation. According to him, Komnas Perempuan and KPAI must ensure that the legal process is transparent and has a child protection perspective.

"At the same time, we will issue policy recommendations to prevent similar cases from being repeated in the religious education environment," he said.

The member of the commission dealing with human rights also urged the police to thoroughly investigate this case and impose the maximum sentence on the perpetrators in order to provide a sense of justice and a real deterrent effect.

"I demand that the state be present in a tangible, quick, and coordinated manner. As representatives of the people, we stand together with the victims and demand that justice be upheld without compromise. Without the active involvement of state institutions, victims will continue to be in a vulnerable position," concluded Mafirion.