BEKASI (17 March 2023) – As a state entity responsible for social rehabilitation, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) ensures that children who have been victims of sexual violence receive thorough therapy to regain their social functioning. Furthermore, the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, is currently focusing on rape cases.


No exception for A (13). This teenager from Bekasi was raped by her stepfather. This incident has occurred multiple times since 2020. The perpetrator threatened A, so she was unable to report it. Previously, A had also experienced sexual violence from her neighbor.


Sexual violence had a substantial harmful effect on A. According to her biological mother, A's personality shifted dramatically. “Previously my daughter was cheerful and carefree. She daydreamed a lot after this episode, angry with her half-sister. "She also threw a tantrum at school," claimed D, A's biological mother.


This traumatizing occurrence led to her dropping out of school. A should be in sixth grade by now, but because she has not attended school for three semesters, she is unable to continue her education. Knowing this, MoSA, through the Pangudi Luhur Integrated Center (STPL) in Bekasi, is advocating for A's continued education.


"We've registered her at the Community Learning Activity Center to pursue Package A. Classes began on March 12," stated Head of STPL I Ketut Supena on Friday (17/3).


Ketut said that MoSA was trying to provide comprehensive treatment for A and her family. For psychological recovery, MoSA arranged for a hospital psychiatrist to examine her. A is known to suffer from mood disorders and difficulty sleeping. A also received assistance with the HIV VCT examination, which produced negative results.


In addition, A received counseling from MoSA social workers and psychologists for psychosocial healing. Counseling is essential for instilling in the victim that she should not blame herself and that the sexual violence she experienced was not her fault. What happened to A affected not just herself, but also her mother, who was in shock.


"We advised both of them (A and her mother). Trauma healing and hypnotherapy were used to alleviate the trauma. As a result, we are already making progress. A wants to go to school and help her mother. Previously she was embarrassed and terrified of being mocked," explained Ketut.


Her stepfather's actions forced A and her family to move from their former home to their grandmother's house. They decided to emigrate because they felt ashamed and were afraid of being ostracized. The sexual violence was committed by her stepfather while A's biological mother was at work.


A's biological mother worked as a washing ironworker. She occasionally busks. Her monthly salary from this employment is IDR 1.5 million. She utilized the money to support her four children.


She had previously worked in a laundry, thus she wanted to start her own laundry business. However, the state of Grandmother A's house was not practicable because the electric power was limited, at 900 kWh, and the house was narrow. The dwelling, which is 60 square meters, is inhabited by three heads of family.


The Minister of Social Affairs paid direct attention to A and her family's situation, and she promptly offered to let A live in the Pangudi Luhur flat in Bekasi.


"Not only did she ask us to offer them to live in the flat, but the Minister also asked us to look for a job for them or provide business capital," Ketut went on to say.


Finally, MoSA provided entrepreneurial Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) in the form of child-friendly drink and snack stalls. Meanwhile, A’s mother has surveyed the Pangudi Luhur Flat and will be moving in shortly.


Apart from that, MoSA also provides other assistance in the form of clothing and school supplies, facilitating the move of A family's domicile to the grandmother's house, registering a new Family Certificate and ID Cards, and enrolling them in Social Welfare Integrated Data (DTKS).