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Ganjar plans to make shelters for victims of sexual violence
Presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo said protection for victims of sexual violence would be his priority.
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Presidential candidate and former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo addresses supporters during a campaign event of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) at the Wates Square Park in Yogyakarta on Jan. 28, 2024. (AFP/Devi Rahman)
Presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo has vowed to crack down on sexual harassment and violence if elected president.
Ganjar plans to establish shelters for victims, with the main goal of ensuring their protection. He also said he would ensure the confidentiality of victims.
"That is the reason why we have shelters, as a means to protect victims of violence," Ganjar said during his campaign in Yogyakarta on Sunday, as cited by katadata.co.id. He said he had already implemented this measure during his tenure as the governor of Central Java, and dealing with the cases directly had helped him understand the sensitive nature of victims’ situations.
Ganjar's comments on the eradication of sexual violence stemmed from a question from writer and activist Kalis Mardiasih, who raised concerns about the increasing cases of sexual harassment and violence. She said the government should prioritize tackling this issue, especially given the rising number of child marriages.
The presidential hopeful said he would particularly focus on sexual violence cases in educational institutions, as the number of reported cases of sexual harassment and violence was increasing within the sector. In schools or universities the perpetrators are usually teachers or professors, he said, which could make the victims feel even more unsafe.
"Every day, by using Google, we can find out that the perpetrators of sexual harassment and violence are teachers and educators. One teacher can harass tens of students," said Kalis.
She highlighted the impact of sexual harassment on victims, where victims of sexual harassment can be traumatized and fear continuing their education.
