IDAHOT 2016 PRESS RELEASE
Sexual Violence Emergency: LGBT Support Eradication of Sexual Violence by Urging Ratification of Draft Bill on Eradicating Sexual Violence
Based on Annual Report of the National Commission for Women (Komnas Perempuan) in March 2016, sexual violence against women is ranked second, which includes rape (72%, comprising 2,399 cases), molestation (18%, comprising 601 cases) and sexual harassment (5%, comprising 166 cases). Meanwhile, the total number of violence cases against women in 2015 was recorded at 322,851 cases.
As for sexual violence cases against children, the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) reported 5,000 cases of child abuse in 2015, 58% of which comprise sexual violence.
In addition to women and children, sexual violence cases also happen to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) on the basis of SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression). Research data by Ardhanary Institute delivered to Komnas Perempuan recorded at least 37 SOGIE-based sexual violence cases against lesbian, bisexual and female-to-male transgender (LBT) in 2014 and 34 cases in 2015. Meanwhile, Gaya Warna Lentera Indonesia (GWL INA) reported 26 cases of sexual violence against gay and male-to-female transgender in 2015, while Suara Kita reported one case in 2016. When accumulated with other data sources from various LGBT organizations across Indonesia, this will amount to very high numbers, not to mention unreported cases since most LGBT individuals are fearful to report their cases.
The high level of sexual violence against women, children and LGBT has demonstrated SEXUAL VIOLENCE EMERGENCY, as stated by the government1, thus it is necessary for the government to carry out concrete actions by providing legal protection for victims of sexual violence, conducting prevention measures, providing integrated services for recovery as well as providing public education in relation to eradicating sexual violence.
Therefore, in commemoration of IDAHOT (International Day against Homophobia – Transpobhia) on May 17, the Indonesian Sexual Diversity Movement (GKSI : Gerakan Keberagaman Seksualitas Indonesia) is urging the government to:
- Urge the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia to make the ratification of the Draft Bill on Sexual Violence as a priority in 2016, with open involvement by civilians, and urge the President to immediately ratify the Draft Bill on Sexual Violence.
- Urge the Ministry of Education and Culture to immediately reform national education with more emphasis on the concept of gender fairness and anti-violence and reform the curriculum to accommodate comprehensive education on reproductive health and sexuality.
- Resolve sexual violence cases by imposing severe punishment on perpetrators while still basing the punishment with respect to Human Rights.
- Summon everyone, everywhere to establish solidarity in the fight against sexual violence.
- Provide the guarantee of protection for LGBTIQ from discrimination and violence, including SOGIE-based sexual violence.
Jakarta, May 18, 2016
Contact Person:
Tyas (Perempuan Mahardhika); 082353410692
Ino Shean (Ardhanary Institute); 087883731941
Teguh Iman (Suara Kita); 081297592969
Slamet (GWL-INA); 08156705508
Indonesian Sexual Diversity Movement (GKSI) is a consolidation of civilian groups comprising Ardhanary Institute, GWL INA, Perempuan Mahardika and Suara Kita.
