House Pushes for Child Protection Reform Following Batam Abuse Case

Deputy Chairman of House Commission III Ahmad Sahroni is pushing for reform in the child and women protection system, including the strict enforcement of the law against perpetrators of violence, following an alleged child abuse case in Batam, Riau Islands. Sahroni believes the rising number of violence cases against children and women, particularly those committed by people closest to the victims, signals the need to strengthen a legal approach that is more pro-victim. “We are deeply saddened because lately there have been so many cases of violence, especially against children and women, carried out by those who should actually be protecting them,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday. “I ask the police to enforce the law firmly against the perpetrators. No peace deals, no restorative justice whatsoever — just impose the maximum sentence immediately,” he added. According to him, the impact of violence on children causes not only physical injuries but also prolonged trauma that can affect the victim’s future. “Torture like this can cause lifelong trauma. That is why we want a reform in terms of legal action against perpetrators, with an automatic maximum sentence,” Sahroni said. The statement was made following the designation of VJH (38) as a suspect in the alleged abuse of his nine-year-old stepchild, identified by the initial A, in Batam. Sagulung Police Chief Iptu Husnul Afkar previously stated that the victim was allegedly abused using a broom and a clothes hanger, resulting in bruises on her face and swelling of her eyes. The police are also investigating the possible role of the victim’s biological father in the case. Sahroni stressed that cases of violence against children cannot be viewed merely as domestic issues to be resolved internally within the family. “Violence against children like this cannot be considered an ordinary family matter. The police must also investigate the role of the biological father, whether there was an element of neglect or even other involvement that needs to be probed,” he said. Beyond law enforcement, he urged stronger protection for victims through cross-agency assistance to ensure children’s rights are fulfilled during the legal process. “The victim must receive full assistance, including trauma recovery, physical care, and future guardianship, involving the police, the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), and other relevant parties so that her future remains safeguarded,” Sahroni said. He added that coordination between law enforcement, child protection agencies, and related institutions must be strengthened to ensure victims receive comprehensive protection while preventing similar cases from recurring.