JAKARTA (23 January 2024) - The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) through the Galih Pakuan Center in Bogor and the Social Office of Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) Timur Regency carried out a quick response to a rape victim against a minor in OKU Timur Regency, South Sumatra. The rape case against children is of serious concern to the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini.


The rape of an 8-year-old girl began when she was invited to take a boat ride at the Dam, then to play at the perpetrator's house, where she was seduced and offered IDR 10,000. After committing the assault, the perpetrator threatened the little girl not to tell anyone.


On Saturday (6/01), the victim experienced discomfort and pain in her genitals during urination. She then reached out to her parents who immediately took a stand by reporting the incident to the police. 


On Sunday, (7/01) the perpetrator was apprehended and detained at the OKU Timur Police Station to be held accountable for his actions. The perpetrator was charged under Article 81 (1) and (2) in conjunction with Article 82 (1) Law No. 17/2016 on Stipulation of Government Regulations in Lieu of Law No. 1/2016 on Child Protection. The maximum sentence awaiting the perpetrator is 15 years in prison.


MoSA and the OKU Timur District Social Office conducted an assessment to determine the victim’s social and economic conditions. Then, safeguard the victim's physical and psychological well-being by taking her to the ob-gyn clinic, pediatric clinic, psychological assessment, and hypnotherapy sessions. Apart from that, MoSA provides the victim with recreational opportunities to help them recover psychologically.


"We invite the victim and her family to relax by swimming at the waterpark. Then we also invited the family to dinner with the MoSA’s team," said the Head of the Galih Pakuan Center, Rinto Indratmoko.


MoSA also gave psychoeducation to the victim's family regarding parenting. The family is asked not to chastise their children, as this causes them to become terrified and disturbs their mental stability.


In this case, MoSA also provided ATENSI assistance, which included additional nutrition packages, basic food packages, personal hygiene equipment, school supplies for the victim and her siblings, hospital and lodging accommodations, clothing for the victim, and entrepreneurial sales tools and materials for the victim's parents.


Furthermore, MoSA will continue to coordinate with the OKU Timur Social Office, as well as the OKU Timur Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children to follow up on this case. “We ensure that this case will be processed and a decision will be made as fairly as possible according to the law and the perpetrator will be punished to the maximum,” Rinto stated.