For the Elimination of Sexual Violence, WVI Invites Religious and Customary Figures to Discuss the TPKS Constitution Plan

The Draft Law on the Crime of Sexual Violence (RUU TPKS) was ratified on January 18, 2022. Although it has been ratified, all parties, including WVI and all members of the Indonesia Joining Force (IJF), are still struggling to bring this bill into law.

Even so, WVI felt the need to know more about the TPKS Constitution Plan. WVI firmly rejects attempts to insert normative formulations that are irrelevant to the protection of victims, including those that have the potential to criminalize victims of sexual violence and deprive them of access to justice. In addition, the irrelevant element of consent used for child victims as a means of acts of violence has not yet been accommodated in this TPKS Constitution Plan. Another thing that needs to be looked at is how child protection and social protection services are acceptable to the victim.

WVI also feels the need to hear the views of religious and traditional leaders regarding the TPKS Constitution Plan so that it will become a law that is fully capable of responding to efforts to prevent and respond to child sexual violence, including the needs of victims of child sexual violence. WVI invites representatives of religious leaders (Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian) and traditional leaders to discuss their views on the TPKS Constitution Plan through a Focus Group Discussion which took place today (07/02/22). 

WVI found that all representatives of religious and traditional leaders did not agree with acts of sexual violence. They have also supported the TPKS Constitution Plan through actions and socialization in their respective religious/regional circles, as well as providing good input on the concept of the TPKS Constitution Plan.