TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) rejects the Prabumulih City Education Department's plan to have female high school students undergo a virginity test. Komnas Perempuan vice chairman Masruchah says virginity tests are a violation of human rights, especially for women.
"A virginity test is a form of sexual violence, it is obviously a violation of human rights," she told Tempo yesterday.
If the Prabumulih education department in West Sumatra insists on doing these virginity tests, Masruchah asserted that all female students have the right to refuse to take it.
"The Indonesian constitution clearly states Indonesian women have the right to express themselves," she added.
Masruchah believes virginity is the personal choice of each individual that cannot be used as a grounds for determining values or morals. Women can lose their virginities by any means aside from sexual activities, such as accidents, sports, or even sexual abuse.
"So if you question morals, are virginity tests also morally correct?" she questioned.
Komnas Perempuan appreciated Minister of Education and Culture Muhammad Nuh's response on this issue. Nuh said virginity tests are not wise. Masruchah will await for Nuh's next act against Prabumulih's plan.
INDRA WIJAYA
