MP urges law enforcement not to compromise with sexual violence perpetrators

Sexual violence is not merely a moral violation but also a serious crime against humanity. There should be no compromise with the perpetrators, regardless of who they are or their background.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission VIII, Selly Andriany Gantina, has urged law enforcement agencies not to compromise with the suspects in the alleged sexual violence case against students at a pesantren in Pati Regency, Central Java.

“Sexual violence is not merely a moral violation but also a serious crime against humanity. There should be no compromise with the perpetrators, regardless of who they are or their background,” said Selly, quoted in Jakarta on Friday.

She reminded that Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS) regulates sanctions for parties that obstruct the handling of sexual violence cases. It is known that Article 19 of the UU TPKS stipulates that any party who intentionally obstructs, hinders, or thwarts the handling of a sexual violence case may be imprisoned for up to five years.

Selly assessed that this provision applies to all parties without exception, including law enforcement agencies and related institutions. Therefore, she stated, the legal process must proceed professionally and in favour of the victims.

Quoting a statement from House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani, Selly conveyed that Article 40 of the UU TPKS also regulates protection for victims.

She also highlighted allegations of negligence in handling the case since 2024, including the suspect’s escape after previously being described as cooperative by the authorities.

According to Selly, the case should serve as a lesson for law enforcement agencies to consistently implement the mandate of the UU TPKS and not provide special treatment to perpetrators with social or religious influence.

Furthermore, she assessed that the alleged sexual violence case in the pesantren environment should be used as a momentum to evaluate the oversight system for dormitory-based educational institutions.

Selly opined that child protection cannot rely solely on moral image or religious symbols but also requires clear protection mechanisms, periodic oversight, and safe reporting channels for victims.

“The state must be present firmly and on the side of the victims, not succumbing to social pressures or power relations that protect the perpetrators,” she said.