TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Virginity test draws criticism
The Prabumulih administrationâs plan to force high school girls in Prabumulih, South Sumatra, to take a virginity test has drawn criticism from all sides
Change Size
T
he Prabumulih administration's plan to force high school girls in Prabumulih, South Sumatra, to take a virginity test has drawn criticism from all sides.
Deny Trisna, a guidance and counseling teacher at state senior high school SMA Negeri 3 Prabumulih, questioned the policy.
'If they find female students are no longer a virgin, what will they do?' Deny said, adding that schools should play an active role in preventing promiscuity among students.
Rumors abound that the administration's plan to enforce virginity tests is in response to promiscuous behavior at Prabujaya Sports Square.
'Recently, the Palembang Police also foiled an attempt to traffic six young women. All of the perpetrators were released, however, because no actual transaction occurred,' said Deny.
The Woman Crisis Center (WCC) South Sumatra said the virginity test violated human rights because it was a private matter.
'It's harassment against women. The government should consider the impact of such a test on students,' said the center's chairwoman, Yeni Roslaini.
Ali Usman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Prabumulih-chapter said the council was against the plan because it would have a negative impact on society.
"According to Islamic teachings, it is forbidden to see other people's genitals," he said. (ebf)
