New rules issued in Indonesia this week will make the police the only authority able to give permission for abortions for rape victims, a move that has sparked criticism from rights activists. Abortion is generally illegal in Indonesia, but exceptions are made in cases of medical emergencies or rape. The new regulations require women to obtain a document from the police to prove they are victims of rape, a process that was previously carried out by medical professionals or psychologists.
The exact impact of these new rules is still unclear, as no specific assistance for rape victims has been outlined by the police. There is no information on procedures for providing emergency contraception or safe abortion services, or any special training for officers on handling rape cases. Women’s rights activists are concerned that these changes may discourage rape victims from seeking help from authorities due to the widespread taboo surrounding abortion in Indonesia.
The cultural, societal, and religious values in Indonesia can make it difficult for women to access their rights, including the right to terminate a pregnancy. The new regulations limit victims’ options by requiring them to go to the police for approval for an abortion, potentially creating additional barriers for those who have already experienced trauma. This has led to calls from rights groups for the rules to be revised in order to provide better support and options for victims of rape.
Critics of the new regulations, such as Olin Monteiro from the Jakarta Feminist group, argue that the changes do little to help victims of rape. Instead of offering support and resources for those in need, the rules create additional obstacles for women seeking assistance. Women’s activist Tunggal Pawestri also expressed concerns that the regulations represent a step backwards in terms of supporting rape victims, rather than progress in addressing the issue.
The lack of clear guidelines and procedures from the police on how to assist and support rape victims, as well as the limited options for women seeking abortion, have raised alarm among rights activists in Indonesia. The changes are seen as regressive and may hinder efforts to address and prevent sexual violence in the country. More support, resources, and options need to be made available for victims of rape, in order to ensure their rights are protected and their needs are met in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
Overall, the new regulations in Indonesia regarding abortion for rape victims have drawn criticism from rights activists who see the changes as regressive and potentially harmful for those seeking support after experiencing sexual violence. The limited options for women, coupled with the lack of clarity and guidelines from the police, highlight the need for a more comprehensive and sensitive approach to addressing rape in the country. Advocates are calling for revisions to the rules in order to better support victims and ensure their rights are upheld and respected.
