Violence against women increasing, police say

Violence against women increasing, police say

JAKARTA (JP): The number of crimes committed against women in Indonesia increases every year, according to Col. Achwil Lutan, the deputy director of National Police's Directorate for Crime Investigation.

At a seminar on violence against women yesterday, Achwil reported that 2,300 cases of sexual violence against women were recorded in 1992. In the following year, 3,200 cases were recorded and the first half of 1994 saw 3,000 cases, he said.

He pointed out that disciplinary measures alone will not eliminate the brutality women face. A number of sociological and psychological factors behind the violence should also be addressed, he said.

He put part of the blame on Indonesian culture, which places men in dominant roles over women.

Minister of Women's Roles Mien Sugandhi said in the first session of Wednesday's workshop that rapists should be sternly punished to help curb the sexual violence against women that is pervasive in Indonesian society.

Achwil also called for strong public support to combat crime in general, which increasingly threatens the public's sense of security.

"Without full support from the public, the police won't be able to curb the growing number of crimes," he said.

He called on non-governmental organizations, social organizations and individuals to help the government and Armed Forces fight crime and violence.

"The public can help by launching an anti-crime campaign, side by side with the government, which is determined to take strict measures against criminals, including street hoodlums," he said.

He also called on the public to minimize their risk of being victimized, by not, for example, leaving their house unguarded, walking alone at night or wearing expensive accessories in crowded places.

According to National Police statistics, the number of crimes has significantly increased from around 76,500 cases in 1993, with 1,600 of the victims killed, to almost 87,000, out of which 1,500 were killed in 1994.

Achwil pointed out that the police themselves have had to contend with various resources problems, including the shortages of personnel and facilities.

He said that the number of police officers in Indonesia is small compared to the whole population. The ratio between police officers and the population is 1:1,350.

He cited Japan and Singapore as having the ideal ratio, with one policeman serving from 350 to 500 people.

Achwil blamed a host of social problems as causing the increased crime rate. Urbanization, the high rate of unemployment and widening social gaps all contribute to the condition, he said.

The ongoing police campaign against hoodlums may be beneficial to suppress crimes, he said, but its "shock therapy" effect will only be temporary unless the authorities deal with the basic causes of crimes, one of which is migration.

"It is police duty to deal with crime and criminals, but urbanization and unemployment are problems for all of us to cope with," he said. (rms)