Jokowi's Comment on Sexual Violence Bill a Criticism for DPR, Activist Says

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former commissioner for the national commission for child protection (KPAI) Erlinda argues that President Joko Widodo’s statement regarding the Sexual Violence Bill (RUU TPKS) should serve as a strong reminder for legislators in the House of Representatives (DPR) who are Party leaders joined in the government’s coalition.

The President’s statement, said Erlina who is active in womens’ activism movements, comes from the position of endless waiting for the Bill to be passed by the DPR since 2016. 

“But was the message received by the Party higher ups and members who are currently in the House?” said Erlinda in her statement on January 5. 

The Bill has not yet been ratified in plenary sessions as the DPR's initiative right, which has led to speculation in the community. Especially after the President had already ordered the task force team to accelerate the TPKS Bill’s passing. 

She believes Indonesia is in urgent need for the law against sexual violence as many cases regarding this issued have emerged in public. Postponing the passing of this Bill will only let more sexual predators continue their act without providing adequate protection and recovery procedures for the victims. 

Read: Jokowi Demands Immediate Ratification of Sexual Violence Bill

FRISKI RIANA