Komnas Perempuan Apologises for Statement on YTR Abuse Case

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has issued an apology for a previous statement made during a press conference for the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June 2026, which discussed the abuse case against YTR in Bandung within the framework of the Convention Against Torture (CAT). In a statement of position delivered on Sunday (28/6), Komnas Perempuan stressed that the explanation was not intended to diminish the severity of the violence or the suffering experienced by the victim. “Komnas Perempuan extends a sincere apology regarding our statement at the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture press conference on 26 June 2026, which discussed the case within the framework of the Convention Against Torture (CAT),” said Komnas Perempuan Commissioner Ratna Batara Munti. Ratna emphasised that for Komnas Perempuan, the YTR case constitutes extreme, sadistic, and cruel multi-layered gender-based violence against women, which fulfils the elements of grievous bodily harm under criminal law. “In everyday public understanding, the act is also viewed as torture due to the level of cruelty and suffering it caused,” she said. She explained that the previous statement was made in the context of discussing the Convention Against Torture, which Indonesia ratified through Law Number 5 of 1998. Article 1 of the convention defines a perpetrator of torture as a state apparatus or a non-state actor acting on the orders or with the acquiescence of the state. “The explanation was not intended to diminish the severity of the violence or the suffering experienced by the victim,” Ratna stressed. Komnas Perempuan assessed that the case that befell YTR has caused extraordinary suffering and permanent disability to the victim. In addition to suffering severe physical damage, the victim also bears deep psychological impacts and economic losses. Based on direct monitoring, Komnas Perempuan found a pattern of repeated violence that caused the victim to suffer blindness in both eyes, difficulty walking, and severe infections in open tissue on the face and head. Komnas Perempuan Commissioner Yuni Asriyanti stated that the series of violence was not merely ordinary abuse, but a form of continuous control and punishment inflicted on the victim’s body. Komnas Perempuan stressed that the institution’s focus has not changed from the outset, which is to oversee the protection, recovery, and fulfilment of the victim’s rights and to support law enforcement that delivers justice for YTR and her family. Furthermore, Komnas Perempuan is urging law enforcement officials to apply charges with maximum penalties that reflect the severity of the violence that occurred, including investigating allegations of sexual violence during the period of confinement. “Komnas Perempuan will continue to monitor the development of this case and ensure that the principles of justice for the victim and dignified recovery can be realised,” said Yuni.