HOUSE SPEAKER CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH SEXUAL VIOLENCE TASK FORCE

 Puan Maharani, speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), has requested the government to set up a task group to stop cases of sexual assault at public facilities.

She made the request in response to a report of suspected sexual assault suffered by a contract worker at a ministry.

"Sexual assaulters must face the harshest penalties possible. Sexual assault offenders (shall) face severe penalties. Additionally, Law Number 12/2022 Concerning the Crime of Sexual Violence (TPKS) is currently in effect "Tuesday, she said.

She added that it is illegal to force rape victims to wed the perpetrators of the rape in accordance with the TPKS Law. The degree of punishment for offenders who are the victims' superiors at work is also governed by the TPKS Law, she added.

The TPKS Law, which governs both prevention and the recovery, processing, and resolution of sexual violence cases, is in line with the Anti-Sexual Violence Task Force, she said.

She claims that in addition to managing case settlement, the task force may lead the charge in preventing sexual abuse in government facilities.

The House Speaker stated that in order to help victims recover from trauma, systemic regulations and mental support must also be offered.

She emphasized that in order to ensure that all of the victim's rights are upheld, linked parties must help victims with their recovery and give legal support.

Additionally, she urged sexual assault victims to speak out because many of them feel helpless and ashamed to disclose the sexual assault they have endured.

She added that victims of sexual assault need not be concerned about or scared to report their experiences since they will be safeguarded, even with regard to the privacy of their identities.