Highlighting Cases Of Rape Of Minors In Central Sulawesi, Puan: There Is No Tolery For Sexual Violence

Chairman of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani. (Photo: Doc. Ist)

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, has again highlighted cases of sexual violence that occurred against minors. He emphasized that in Law No. 12 of 2022 concerning the Crime of Sexual Violence (UU TPKS), the government has an obligation to take firm action against perpetrators and provide protection for victims. “ There is no toleration of sexual violence. Strict action against perpetrators of sexual violence as severely as possible,” said Puan in an electronic message received in Jakarta, Monday, May 29. Puan also asked law enforcement to thoroughly investigate cases of rape of underage women in Parigi Moutong (Parimo) Regency, Central Sulawesi (Central Sulawesi). The victim was allegedly raped by 11 men to make her experience reproductive disorders and threatened with uterine removal surgery. The police have currently named 10 suspects, two of whom work as village heads (Kades) and teachers. For another person suspected of being a police officer, currently the authorities have not raised his status from a witness to a suspect. In the TPKS Law, several professions can be sentenced to a heavier sentence with an additional 1/3 of the criminal threat, such as educators, health workers, medical personnel, education personnel, or other professionals who have the mandate to handle, protect, and recover victims. Therefore, Puan emphasized the importance of technical rules from the TPKS Law to be issued immediately. "I have repeatedly reminded you that the derivative rules of the TPKS Law should be made immediately so that the handling of cases of sexual violence that are already like the tip of an iceberg in Indonesia can be more optimal," said the first woman who served as Chair of the DPR RI. For the rape incident in Parimo Regency, Puan strongly criticized if it was proven that the village head, teacher, and other authorized officers were involved. Moreover, the victim is a child who is 15 years old. “ This is immoral behavior. Village officials and teaching staff should be able to set an example, not even damage the future of a child. If it is proven true that they are involved, they must be punished more severely, ” said Puan. “ There must be firm action for the perpetrators. Authorities must provide maximum protection for victims, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture added. Puan also encouraged the Regional Government to provide assistance to victims and their families, including medical care for the victim's physical and mental. The Regional Government must synergize with the police in guarding this case, so that there is no delay in handling the health of the victims. The government must ensure the safety, safety and health of children who are victims of sexual violence, ” explained Puan. Furthermore, Bung Karno's grandson ensured that the DPR would continue to oversee cases of existing sexual violence. Puan emphasized that the legal process must be carried out clearly for the sake of justice for victims of cases of sexual violence. "We in the DPR will oversee every case of sexual violence. The peaceful path should not be the main choice in a case like this, the perpetrators must be dealt with firmly with the maximum sentence! ” he said. On the other hand, Puan reminded the Government to intensify the socialization of reporting services for victims of sexual violence, as well as guarantee the security protection of the identity of the reporter. "Protection for victims of sexual violence must be in line with the completion of all cases and a quick response to every report that comes in," said Puan. The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) noted that as many as 25,050 women were victims of violence in Indonesia throughout 2022. This number increased by 15.2% from the previous year's 21,753 cases. Meanwhile, sexual violence against children reached 9,588 cases in 2022, which increased from the previous year, namely 4,162 cases. To reduce this number, Puan again reminded the Government to immediately issue regulations implementing the TPKS Law. "The “UU for the Crime of Sexual Violence can be an instrument of the state in dealing with, protecting, and restoring victims of sexual violence and carrying out law enforcement," he said.

Puan also asked for the commitment of the Government and law enforcers to accelerate the resolution of every case of sexual violence. With a quick response, he believes that cases of sexual violence that are still a scourge in Indonesia can be reduced due to the proper application of the law and protection of victims. "Don't let there be an increase in cases of sexual violence every year, the TPKS Law is passed as a protector for victims and a proper punishment for perpetrators of sexual crimes," concluded Puan.