The Implementing Rules Of The TPKS Law Have Not Been Issued, Puan: Don't Let The Struggle In The DPR Become In Vain

PIXABAY ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The government is urged to immediately issue implementing regulations as an implementation of Law No. 12 of 2022 concerning the Crime of Sexual Violence (UU TPKS). Since it was passed a year ago, the application of punishment for perpetrators and protection for victims of sexual violence is still hampered because there are no technical rules yet.

"The government must provide support to ensure the abolition of sexual violence, most of which are women and children. Implementing regulations as implementation of the implementation of the TPKS Law must be issued immediately," said Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, Wednesday, May 24.

The National Commission (Komnas) for Women noted that cases of sexual violence were the most reported in 2022. There were 2,228 cases containing sexual violence or 65 percent of the total 3,422 cases of gender-based violence.

So it is very important that the derivative rules of the TPKS Law are immediately made considering the large number of victims of sexual violence.

Most recently, there were cases of sexual violence that occurred in the Islamic boarding school environment. At least 41 students became victims of sexual abuse at Islamic boarding schools in East Sakra, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) where the perpetrators of sexual abuse were the leaders of Islamic boarding schools.

According to Puan, such problems of sexual violence should have been applied by the TPKS Law if there were technical rules.

"The case of sexual violence in Indonesia has become an iceberg phenomenon. Do not let our struggle in the DPR, the struggle of activists and all other elements of the nation until finally the TPKS Law is realized to be in vain," said Puan.

Originally, there were 5 Government Regulations and 5 Presidential Regulations that would be made as a mandate from the TPKS Law. However, the Government agreed to simplify the formation of derivative rules to 3 Government Regulations and 4 Presidential Regulations.

The DPR also highlighted the need for supporting rules for handling victims of violence from the psychological side that the Government can provide. Puan asked for the Government's commitment to accelerate the issuance of technical rules for the effectiveness of the TPKS Law.

Moreover, the psychological condition of the shaken victims often makes them unable to report. Law enforcers and related institutions are also hampered in handling cases because there are no rigid guidelines yet," said the first woman to serve as Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives.

Furthermore, Puan encouraged the community to provide assistance to victims who experienced sexual violence. According to him, the role of the surrounding environment is at the forefront of protecting victims.

"It is necessary to work together with all stakeholders in overcoming the problem of sexual violence where usually victims are reluctant to report for fear of being judged," he said.

Even efforts to protect against sexual violence, called Puan, start from the prevention stage. The process must begin by providing education to the public.

"The socialization of the TPKS Law is very important because socialization is part of education to the public. If there is an act of violence, people who already understand can report to law enforcers," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also mentioned the lack of safe home infrastructure for victims of sexual violence and witnesses. Because, said Puan, not all cities in Indonesia have supporting institutions for victims of sexual violence.

"In line with the implementation of the TPKS Law, the government must also prepare a safe house whose location is kept secret to protect victims of sexual violence, both physically and psychologically," he explained.

Puan continued, safe houses can be coordinated across agencies, including the police. Later, related agencies can assist and provide protection to victims according to their respective authorities.

"This safe house is very important because victims of sexual violence and domestic violence, its position is vulnerable or at risk of being under pressure. Anticipate if there is intimidation, especially from the perpetrators," said Puan.

"So this technical rule is really needed as a legal umbrella for officers in their efforts to provide protection and handling cases of sexual violence," added Bung Karno's grandson.

Puan emphasized that the deterrent effect will only be obtained if the perpetrator of sexual violence gets the appropriate punishment.

"The peaceful path is not the only problem of sexual violence. There must be punishment in order to create a deterrent effect for the perpetrators. Because once women become objects of sexual violence, they do not cover up that there will be similar incidents again," said Puan.

With the implementation of the TPKS Law, cases of sexual violence where many victims come from groups of women and children are expected to decrease.

"That way, every citizen, especially women and children, can get human rights protection as they should and be free from the threat of sexual violence," said Puan.

"The implementation of the TPKS Law in the field is certainly awaited by many parties. Together we take care so that there are no more cases of sexual violence in our environment," concluded Puan.