TEMPO.CO, Bengkulu-Violence against women and girls in Rejang Lebong District, Bengkulu, in January-April 2016 has significantly increased compared to the same period last year. Cahaya Perempuan Women’s Crisis Centre (WCC) Bengkulu recorded that 36 cases of sexual and physical violence had ocurred in the period.
The figure has risen by 5 percent compared to the first semester of 2015 with 29 cases. Throughout 2015, the region has seen 84 cases of violence against women and girls.
“Rejang Lebong [administration] should declare state of emergency over violence against women and girls,” said Progam Manager of Cahaya Perempuan WCC Bengkulu, Juniarti Boermans, Monday, May 2, 2016.
One of the victims of violence was Yuyun, 14, a student Padang Ulak Tanding Junior High, who was raped by 14 people and was killed in mid-April. Her body was found at the bottom of a five meter high cliff near the forest of Kasie Kasubun Village, Padang Ulang Tanding Sub-district.
The case has been receiving attention from many through #NyalaUntukYuyun hashtag in social media. The movement of Indonesia Menyala (Light from Indonesia) for Yuyun has been launched to mobilize support for the resolution of the case.
“As we celebrate #hardiknas [national education day], a 14 year-old girl had been robbed of her future and life. Raped by 14 people and killed!#NyalaUntukYuyun” Luluk Hamidah twitted via her Twitter account.
In addition to tweets in support of #NyalaUntukYuyun hashtag, dozens of videos titled “Kami Bersama Yuyun” (We Stand Beside Yuyun) showing the action of lighting up fire have also flooded social media.
Juniarto said the prevalence of violance against women and girls is very concerning, so that it should receive attention from all parties particularly the regional government. The declaration of state of emergency over violence against women and girls is expected to lead to a clearer resolution of the issue. “Let’s hope that Yuyun’s case won't repeat.”
PHESI ESTER JULIKAWATI
