Social Affairs Minister Responds Quickly to the Rape Victim, Hoping for Maximum Punishment for the Perpetrators

MADIUN (28 October 2023) - Social Affairs Minister, Tri Rismaharini, responded immediately to a rape victim by personally meeting with her and offering her to stay at the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) Center.

The Minister also stated that victims of sexual assault perpetrated by her biological father, uncle, and grandpa will be cared for and safeguarded in a MoSA center. "I'll safeguard her at the facility, and then we'll go through treatment and so on. I have coordinated with the police and the prosecutor's office to ensure that the perpetrators receive the maximum punishment," said Social Affairs Minister Risma.

The Minister said that the maximum sentence was in accordance with Law Number 35 of 2014 on Child Protection Articles 81 and 82, namely a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

The Minister also expresses profound concern that the culprits maintain tight familial links. "They should provide protection," said the Minister.

The Minister urged the law enforcement officers who were still handling the matter, to impose the perpetrators the highest penalty possible. "In fact, in accordance with the child protection law, the perpetrator's sentence can be increased by a third," the Minister added.

The Minister explained that from a physical perspective, the victim's condition was healthy. However, MoSA will delve deeper from a psychiatric standpoint and give support, including treatment, because the victim experienced trauma when her parents divorced. MoSA will also pay attention to the victim's education, as she is still of school age.

The Minister encouraged parents that before marrying, they should consider the consequences of becoming parents. Specifically, when parents marry, they will produce children who must be adequately cared for by prioritizing the children's requirements in terms of both health care and education. Do not disregard them. "The future of this nation and country lies in the hands of our children," the Minister stated.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit for the Madiun Police, Police Commissioner Adjutant Magribi Agung Saputra, said that the police were still investigating this case and would immediately question the victim's parents, uncle and grandfather. "We will immediately handle this case, let alone get the Minister's attention," said Agung Saputra.

Regarding the maximum sentence requested by the Minister of Social Affairs, Agung Saputra said that the police would adhere to the applicable laws. The decision on punishment is entirely in the hands of the court.

MoSA responded to the situation quickly through Prof. Dr. Soeharso Integrated Center in Surakarta, doing an assessment and emergency intervention The Acting Head of Prof. Dr. Soeharso Integrated Center Supriyono revealed that throughout the evaluation process by social workers and psychologists from the Ministry of Social Affairs, victim AP (17) did not appear unhappy. "The victim is not that depressed, communication is smooth as usual. She is quite communicative," said Supriyono. MoSA has also provided assistance in the form of additional nutrition, clothes, personal hygiene and worship equipment.