Komnas Perempuan Ready to Collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to Prevent Sexual Violence
Chair of the National Commission on Women (Komnas Perempuan), Maria Ulfah Anshor, has lamented the alleged sexual violence cases involving Indonesian rock climbers. She said the actions undermine the integrity of the institutions of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) and the Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation (FPTI). Anshor praised the swift response of the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Erick Thohir, in opening a complaints service and overseeing the investigation process.
‘I commend Minister Erick for the rapid response to the alleged sexual harassment of rock climbers. The complaint channel opened by Kemenpora is a concrete step taken by the institution so that the victims can speak out and receive comprehensive handling,’ Anshor said in a written statement on Saturday, 7 March 2026. ”
Anshor likened such cases to an iceberg phenomenon, meaning victims who speak out are fewer than the actual number. She hopes Kemenpora provides adequate support so that athletes feel safe and protected.
‘There are three things that Kemenpora needs to do next. First, provide a complaints service that includes health services, social rehabilitation, and legal assistance. The first point has been done well by Kemenpora. Second, ensure victims receive the rights to assistance and protection that provide a sense of safety. Finally, ensure victims receive recovery services, both physically and mentally, as well as spiritually and socially,’ she said.
Anshor also reminded that Kemenpora must ensure victims are free from pressure or intimidation from any party related to the alleged harassment. In addition, victims should receive physical and psychological support to ensure they are not afraid to recount what happened.
To prevent similar incidents from recurring, Anshor suggested several preventive steps, including providing education on preventing sexual violence to athletes, installing CCTV in training spaces monitored regularly, and governance that applies a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of violence. The principle should be set out in the working agreements of all sport federation branches, coaches, and athletes, with sanctions as stipulated in the Sexual Violence Crime Act (TPKS).
Komnas Perempuan also stated it is ready to collaborate with Kemenpora in receiving referrals of complaints from athletes via the complaint link https://bit.ly/AduanKomnasPerempuan.