Indonesia minister urges public not to judge kidnapping victim

Indonesia's Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, has called on the public to refrain from judging or disseminating content related to a victim of kidnapping and abuse in Bandung. This plea aims to protect the victim's psychological well-being during her recovery period.

"We invite all members of the community not to judge the victim and not to spread information, photos, or content that could worsen the victim's psychological condition," Fauzi stated in Jakarta on Sunday. She affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring the victim receives full protection, support, and rehabilitation. The minister also urged law enforcement to impose maximum penalties on the perpetrator.

The primary focus for the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection is to guarantee the victim receives all necessary services, including healthcare, psychological recovery, and legal aid. Fauzi stressed that the perpetrator's arrest is not the end of the case's handling. "For the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, the perpetrator's arrest is not the end of the case's handling. Our main focus now is to ensure the victim receives protection, health services, psychological recovery, social assistance, and comprehensive and sustainable legal assistance," she asserted.

Fauzi explained that the victim suffers not only physical injuries but also complex psychological trauma. Therefore, recovery requires ongoing support with a victim-centered approach, respecting their needs, condition, and choices at every stage. "We appreciate the swift action of the West Java Regional Police and all parties involved who have successfully arrested and named TH as a suspect in this case. The arrest is an important development in the effort to enforce the law and shows that the state is present to provide protection and ensure the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions before the law," said Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi.