Govt Said to Be 'On Same Page' with DPR in Sexual Violence Crime Bill

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The national task force on the sexual violence crime bill (RUU TPKS) chairman Eddy Hiariej shared optimism that the bill will be completed soon as his side had held five consultations with the House of Representatives (DPR).

“I believe and am optimistic that the government and the DPR in this context are no longer [driven by] the political will of the government, but the political will of the state,” said Eddy at a press conference, Tuesday, Jan. 11 at the Presidential Staff Office, Central Jakarta.

During the meetings, Eddy said the DPR and the government shared the same frequency and enthusiasm for the long-awaited bill to be passed. Although the meetings were often carried out informally, Eddy said they were highly effective in equalizing perceptions of the needs that must be regulated in the bill.

Since being formed in April 2021 by Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, the task force has carried out further discussions on the issues contained in the bill. In the last draft on November 17, they had drafted a problem inventory list. The task force is waiting for the DPR to ratify this bill as its initiative and then waiting for the President's letter.

“It's just a matter of procedures,” said Eddy.

According to him, the sexual violence crime bill basically consists of four things, viz. the prevention aspect, the crime, the procedural law issues, and the rehabilitation. “This includes the protection for victims as emphasized by the President, as well as issues on restitution and compensation,” said Eddy who is Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights.

Read: House Member Claims Sexual Violence Bill on Track to Quick Completion

EGI ADYATAMA