Komnas Perempuan Apologises for Statement on YTR Abuse Case

The National Commission on Violence Against Good Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has expressed its apologies for previous statements made during a Press Conference for International Day Against Torture on 26 June 2026, which discussed the case of YTR’s abuse in Bandung within the framework of the Convention Against Torture (CAT).

In a statement issued on Sunday (28/6), Komnas Perempuan emphasised that the explanation was not intended to diminish the severity of the violence or the suffering experienced by the victim.

“Komnas Perempuan offers a sincere apology regarding our statements at the International Day Against 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 multi-layered gender-based violence against women (GBV) that is extremely extreme, sadistic, and cruel, meeting the elements of aggravated assault under criminal law.

“In the everyday understanding of the public, such acts are also viewed as torture due to the level of cruelty and suffering they cause,” she said.

She explained that the previous explanation was made in the context of discussing the Convention Against Torture, which Indonesia has ratified through Law Number 5 of 1998. Under Article 1 of the convention, perpetrators of torture are defined as state officials or non-state actors acting under the orders or acquiescence of the state.

“The explanation was not intended to reduce the gravity of the violence or the suffering experienced by the victim,” Ratna asserted.

Komnas Perempuan assessed that the case involving YTR has caused extraordinary suffering and permanent disability to the victim. In addition to suffering severe physical damage, the victim also bears profound psychological impacts and significant economic losses.

Based on direct monitoring results, Komnas Perempuan found a pattern of repeated violence that has caused the victim to suffer blindness in both eyes, difficulty walking, and severe infections in open wounds on the face and head.

Komnas Perempuan Commissioner Yuni Asriyanti stated that the series of violence was not merely ordinary assault, but a form of continuous control and punishment inflicted upon the victim’s body.

Komnas Perempuan emphasised that its agency’s focus has remained unchanged since the beginning: to oversee protection, recovery, and the fulfilment of the victim’s rights, as well as to support law enforcement that provides justice for YTR and her family.

Furthermore, Komnas Perempuan is urging law enforcement agencies to apply charges with maximum penalties that reflect the severity of the violence, 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 a dignified recovery can be realised,” said Yuni.