MoSA Performs Hypnotherapy and Provides ATENSI Assistance for 25 Rape Victims

PADANG LAWAS (11 April 2023) - The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) made a quick response regarding dozens of students who were raped in Padang Lawas Regency. At the direction of the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini, MoSA’s team carried out a comprehensive assessment of the victims. The team is now focusing on the psychological selection of victims.

"On the direction of the Minister, we immediately moved to the crime scene. Apart from carrying out comprehensive assessments, we also provide psychological counseling and hypnotherapy to victims both in groups and individually. The aim is for them to express their emotions," said the Head of the Insyaf Center in Medan Iman Imaddudin Hamdan (11/04).

MoSA’s team consists of the Directorate of Child Social Rehabilitation, the Social Welfare Education and Training Center (BBPPKS) in Padang and the Insyaf Center in Medan.

A total of 25 students at one of the Islamic boarding schools in Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra, became rape victims by two teachers. The case was revealed after one of the students complained about what happened to her parents. The parents had come to the boarding school to ask for responsibility but did not get an adequate response.

"In general, the physical condition of the victims is healthy and they can carry out their activities well. They were just a little tired and bored because they had to be questioned by the parties involved in disclosing this case. As a result, some children become reluctant to talk to new people," Iman said.

The results of the visum et repertum showed that the victim did not suffer any injuries, including bruises or tears in the anus. “However, some victims experience anxiety and trauma due to being forced to do so. The victim also experienced pressure from friends' teasing. This disrupts focus on studying and slows down the psychological recovery process," Iman added.

The MoSA's case response team referred all victims to psychiatric services at the Rokan Hulu District Hospital. Based on the results of the examination, some victims experienced adjustment disorders with symptoms of decreased mood and anxiety.

Based on checks, 11 of the 25 victims' families were registered in the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS). Those 11 families are either beneficiaries of the Basic Food Program, Family Hope Program (PKH) or Integrated Welfare Houses (RST). Meanwhile, most of the families that are not registered in the DTKS are families with a fixed income from oil palm plantations.

“Those families registered in DTKS have an interest in improving their living conditions by starting a business. However, for the time being, they are still focused on the child's psychological recovery. The team will carry out a further assessment regarding this matter," Imam said.

The Ministry of Social Affairs also provides ATENSI assistance for victims in the form of nutritional assistance (milk, honey, biscuits), hygiene supplies (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, detergent, towels), religious equipment (sarong) and school supplies (notebooks, pencils, pens, ruler, eraser, pencil shavings) as well as sports equipment. The total value of assistance for 25 child victims is IDR 28,600,000.

Vulnerable children who are victims of violence are given nutritional assistance (milk, honey, biscuits), hygiene equipment (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, detergent, towels), and religious equipment (sarong/mukena). Total assistance is IDR 36,088,000 for 106 children.

Moreover, MoSA’s team is also coordinating with related agencies, namely Padang Lawas Regency Social Office and Padang Lawas Police through the Head of Criminal Investigation Unit and the Head of the Women and Children Service Unit regarding the assistance that has been carried out for child victims and the progress of case investigations.

MoSA’s team also held a case conference which was attended by the Padang Lawas Police Chief, the Head of the Padang Lawas Social Office, representatives of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, representatives of the Health Service, representatives of the Women and Child Protection Service, representatives of Integrated Service Center for the Empowerment of Women and Children, representatives of the Education Office. 

The Ministry of Religious Affairs will periodically carry out strict evaluations and monitoring of the condition of Islamic boarding schools in Padang Lawas and will take firm action and revoke their operational permits. For students who want to move from the Islamic boarding school to another Islamic boarding school, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will facilitate this.

Furthermore, the Health Service carried out regular examinations (VCT/HIV tests) on perpetrators and also health checks on victims and other students. Meanwhile, the Education Office will facilitate students who want to move to public schools (non-Islamic boarding schools) and ensure its continuity.