Throughout 2023, there were 135 rape cases in Aceh, placing the province in top position. Second position was taken by West Java with a total of 114 cases, while East Java was ranked third with 106 cases. Overall, there were 1,443 rape cases in Indonesia in 2023, with the majority of victims being children and women.

The BPS data also showed a significant increase in the number of rape cases compared to the previous year, with a surge of 23.97 percent. This is of serious concern considering that Aceh is known as the “Gateway of Makkah” which implements strict Sharia (Islamic) law, including public floggings as punishment for adultery.

Ironically however, the high number of rape cases in Aceh raises questions about the protection of women in the province. According to various sources, a culture that affords privileges to men and the lack of sexual education also plays a role in the high rate of sexual violence.

Meanwhile, the Aceh Mahkamah Syar’iyah (Supreme Court for Religious Affairs) Court recorded even higher findings on rape cases compared to the BPS report, indicating that the issue requires more attention. The National Human Rights Commission’s (Komnas HAM) representatives in Aceh also stressed the importance of fulfilling the rights of victims.

The following is a list of the 10 provinces in Indonesia with the highest number of rapes in 2023 according to the BPS:

1. Aceh: 135 cases
2. West Java: 114 cases
3. East Java: 106 cases
4. South Sulawesi: 101 cases
5. North Sumatera: 68 cases
6. Lampung: 61 cases
7. West Nusa Tenggara: 60 cases
8. South Sumatera: 59 cases
9. DKI Jakarta (Metro Jaya): 59 cases
10. East Nusa Tenggara: 55 cases

The increasing in cases of sexual violence highlights the need for concrete actions to protect women and children from violence and increase sexual awareness and education throughout society.

As quoted from the official website of the Bantul (Central Java) regency government (Pemkab) website, it noted several reasons why women often become victims of sexual violence, including a culture that places men in a higher position to women and lack of sexual education.

Adequate sexual education is needed so that individuals can understand the boundaries of their body and rights.

If you or your relatives experience sexual violence, immediately report it to the Ministry for the Empowerment of Women and Protection of Children (Kemen PPPA) hotline number 129 or to the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) through its call centre on 148. (Hri)

Haryudi

Translated by James Balowski

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