Komnas Perempuan Urges Prioritising Victim Recovery in Bandung False Imprisonment Case

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has stressed that the recovery of YSR, the victim in a case of false imprisonment and torture lasting approximately three years in a rented house in Bandung, must be the top priority. Commission Chair Maria Ulfah Anshor stated that the victim needs comprehensive protection and recovery services before being asked to provide further statements for the legal process. “The focus is to ensure that the victim is protected and her rights are fulfilled comprehensively, and that she is handled from a recovery perspective comprehensively,” Maria said when met at the Media Indonesia office in West Jakarta on Thursday. Maria emphasised that officials and the public must not force the victim to recount her traumatic experience if her psychological condition has not fully recovered. She noted that digging for information too early could trigger repeated trauma and hinder the recovery process. Komnas Perempuan also requested that the victim receive thorough healthcare, including physical, psychological, and sexual treatment, particularly if indications of sexual violence are found. Furthermore, the commission stressed the importance of conducting a complete post-mortem and psychiatric examination to ensure strong evidence is available for the court proceedings. Maria added that Komnas Perempuan will continue to monitor the case to ensure the victim’s rights are upheld, while hoping that institutions with the relevant mandate, such as the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), will provide direct protection and legal assistance.