Indonesian youth demand government pass sexual violence bill

The Indonesian Catholic youth hosted a webinar with the theme "Quick! Legalize the Draft of the Criminal Act on Sexual Violence" in Jakarta near the end of January 2022.

The webinar urged the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia and the government to swiftly ratify the Crime of Sexual Violence (Rancangan Undang-Undang Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual-RUU TPKS) into an Act on the Crime of Sexual Violence (Undang-Undang Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual-UU TPKS).

Speaking to RVA News, Yulius Wahyu, head of the Catholic Youth, said that the issue of the RUU TPKS Bill was significant and related to the spirit of the Synod year of the Catholic Church.

"We are invited to walk together to be a blessing to those who suffer and do not get justice," explained Wahyu.

It was also chosen because, in 2022, Jakarta Archdiocese (KAJ) has named it the year of human dignity, and the draft on the Crime of Sexual Violence Bill fits in with the spirit of that, he added.

"The RUU TPKS Bill is very much in line with the spirit of the Year of Human Dignity because we need to have a voice and take a stand regarding this draft bill," said Wahyu.

The webinar featured several presenters, such as R. Valentina Sagala. In her presentation, she explained the historical background of the RUUTPKS Bill, which before the name of the TPKS Bill, was the draft on the Elimination of Sexual Violence (RUU PKS).

It has been in the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) since 2016, which is a proposal from Commission 8 of the Indonesian Representative (DPR RI). This PKS Bill is part of the National Legislation Program.

Furthermore, she criticized the inappropriate use of the word "sexual emergency" and circulated it in campaigns in the mass media. When there is an emergency, she says the government should make a Government Regulation in place of Law (PERPU) instead of making a law, which is what they should do.

In addition, she also described how the conception of legal politics in developed countries relates to statutory rape. All adults over 18 years old are not allowed to have sexual relations with someone under 18 because there are criminal provisions supporting sexual violence against children.

She urged Catholic youth to be vigilant and provide inputs to the TPKS Bill.

It is hoped that the government will immediately make rules that meet the needs of the Indonesian people, such as protecting victims and making sure that sexual violence crimes are punishable by law, said Sagala.

Another speaker, Stella Anjani, a cadre of Catholic Youth, said that five things could be done to maintain human dignity, such as humility. If we look at the Catholic church's teachings, humility is the primary basis of Christian spirituality, which allows us to be on the right path. The second truth is to learn from a trustworthy source. The third is self, namely starting from oneself and asking what can be done. The fourth is starting a conversation with the closest people, and the fifth is influencing the most miniature environment around the house, office, school, campus, RT, and community,” said Stella.

Stella added that sexual violence is one of the peaks of sexual harassment. Sexist jokes are the most critical part of the pyramid of sexual violence against women.

To help protect women and children, Stella says it's essential to have a protocol in place to stop sexual violence in both businesses and churches.

As a result of the webinar, the members of the Catholic Youth made a six-point statement of support for the TPKS Bill.

The six-point statement includes strongly condemning all forms of sexual violence committed expressed gratitude for DPR RI's attitude, which has made the Draft Law on the Crime of Sexual Violence (RUU TPKS) an idea from DPR RI.

The Catholic Youth urged the government of the Republic of Indonesia and its respective law enforcers so that in handling cases of sexual violence, they must prioritize a sense of justice maintain dignity and humanity. The Catholic Youth appealed to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to ratify the Criminal Act of Violence.

The youth call for full support for people who have been sexually assaulted to get legal protection and compensation for their consequences. The Catholic Youth are ready to fight for and guard the ratification of the draft on the Crime of Sexual Violence (RUU TPKS) until it becomes an applicable law.