Indonesia Backs Stronger Regional Systems to Combat Violence Against Women and Children

Indonesia's Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto has affirmed the Ministry of Home Affairs' commitment to reinforcing regional systems designed to address violence against women and children. He emphasized that strengthening these systems is crucial for ensuring that case handling is not solely reliant on individual efforts but operates in an integrated and sustainable manner.

Sugiarto highlighted the significance of this issue, noting that violence against children, women, and sexual violence are primary concerns for regional governments. Speaking at a coordination meeting on the implementation of integrated service programs for women and children, he stated, "What is different from the system initiated by the Women Empowerment and Child Protection Minister is that there is a kind of system strength that compels, not just initiatives, but there are [violence] cases that are systematically prioritized or must be resolved."

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What is different from the system initiated by the Women Empowerment and Child Protection Minister is that there is a kind of system strength that compels, not just initiatives, but there are [violence] cases that are systematically prioritized or must be resolved.

In line with these efforts, regional governments are actively working to fulfill the mandate of Law Number 12 of 2022 on Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence. This includes promoting the establishment of Regional Technical Implementation Units for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA) across all provinces, regencies, and cities in Indonesia. However, challenges remain in ensuring these systems function effectively and sustainably, requiring adequate resources and funding.

Sugiarto reiterated the Ministry of Home Affairs' support for strengthening integrated regional handling systems through guidance and supervision, including ensuring budgetary allocations and reinforcing the legal framework. He stressed that replicating such systems in various regions requires in-depth study, considering each region's specific needs, regulatory aspects, and financial capabilities. "The fundamental issue today is more about the availability of budgets from regional budgets in the regions. So, to what extent, if we want to replicate in the regions based on a clear legal basis, this must be studied more deeply depending on the needs in those regions," he concluded.

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The fundamental issue today is more about the availability of budgets from regional budgets in the regions. So, to what extent, if we want to replicate in the regions based on a clear legal basis, this must be studied more deeply depending on the needs in those regions.