Legislator pushes for stronger women's protection through Regional Regulation Draft

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Elva Farhi Qolbina, a member of the PSI faction in the DKI Jakarta DPRD, is pushing for strengthened women’s protection in Jakarta through 24-hour technology-based violence handling services and empowerment for female heads of household in the Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) on women’s protection. Through this Raperda, she is advocating for domestic violence (KDRT) protection services to operate 24 hours a day with a technology-based approach. “Through this Raperda, we are pushing for 24-hour protection services based on technology in a one-stop, one-touch manner, from case management to facilitating victims’ needs, because the hours of justice do not follow office timings,” said Elva during the Plenary Session at the DKI Jakarta DPRD Building on Monday. In addition, she urged the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to cover the costs of medical examinations for women victims of violence. Elva believes the local government needs to provide facilities for handling cases free of charge or pro bono for women victims of violence. During the meeting, she also discussed online violence frequently experienced by women. According to her, there were 981 reported cases of gender-based online violence. Furthermore, Elva highlighted that Jakarta has the highest percentage of single female heads of household in Indonesia, reaching 62.09 per cent. According to her, these women must be assisted by the government through this Raperda. To that end, she is pushing for the provision of affordable daycares, free psychological services, and special scholarships for female heads of household. “Not just financial assistance, but also empowerment instruments to improve skills, independence, and competitiveness in the job market,” stated Elva. Not stopping there, she also addressed the prevalence of harassment cases against women in various locations, from public spaces to public transportation. Therefore, she emphasised that this Raperda must ensure gender-responsive public space designs, equipped with adequate lighting, responsive security systems, and decent and safe supporting facilities for women.