Child sexual violence: UPTD PPA urged to optimise use of non-physical DAK

Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi has urged the Sampang Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children to optimise the use of the 2026 Non-Physical Special Allocation Fund for the protection and recovery of victims of violence. “The UPTD PPA of Sampang Regency should optimise the use of the Non-Physical DAK for the Protection of Women and Children in 2026 for the protection and recovery of victims,” said Minister Arifah Fauzi in Jakarta on Tuesday. She made the statement in response to a case of sexual violence against a 15-year-old girl in Sampang Regency, East Java. Her ministry has been coordinating intensively with the East Java Provincial Government, the Sampang Regency Government, the UPTD PPA, law enforcement officials, and relevant service institutions to ensure all the victim’s needs are met. She emphasised that sexual violence against children can cause long-term psychological impacts, such as trauma, anxiety, fear, loss of security, and disruptions to social and emotional development. “Therefore, the victim’s recovery is not sufficient solely through the legal process, but must also be supported by psychological services, family support, a safe environment, and sustainable rehabilitation so that the victim can resume her life optimally,” said Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi. To date, police have named 27 people as suspects in this case. Of that number, 12 have been detained, while 15 others remain on the wanted list. The legal handling of this case refers to Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning the Crime of Sexual Violence and Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection, as well as Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code. These regulations affirm every child’s right to obtain protection from all forms of violence, assistance, and comprehensive recovery.