The problem seems to have worsened rapidly in recent years. Certainly news coverage of the issue has become more prevalent, thanks in part to wider access to the internet and social media in the country.

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) recorded 95 cases of femicide in the country in 2020. In the following two years, the figure rose to 237 then 307.

Although the number of recorded femicides dropped last year to 159, many women’s rights groups believe that what they describe as “the most extreme form of gender-based violence” will never end if law enforcement remains apathetic about such cases, paving the way for recurring offenses.

Often, when victims of gender-based violence seek help from the police, they are faced with resistance, convoluted procedures or, even worse, accusations that they brought the crimes upon themselves because of the way they dressed or behaved.

Furthermore, a number of victims have reportedly experienced additional sexual offenses from police officers themselves when filing their reports.

In May, a member of the Tanjung Pandan Police in Bangka Belitung Islands, identified as Brig. AK, reportedly molested a junior high school student reporting an alleged rape by the caretaker of the orphanage where she had lived for two years.

This is not the only case of sexual harassment by law enforcement officers, as each year, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) receives similar reports.

This dire situation has stopped an unknowable number of victims from speaking up, leaving them open to repeated violence, often in their own homes and perpetrated by people within their close circles.

Last year, Komnas Perempuan recorded approximately 290,000 instances of violence against women across the country, around 98 percent of which took place “in the domestic sphere”. The home, which should be a safe space for women, was main scene of such violence, the report noted.

The United Nations’ gender equality and women’s empowerment body, known as UN Women, reported recently that 140 women and girls died every day at the hands of close relatives or partners, underlining the global crisis of gender-based violence and the urgent need for quick action.

The UN Women report was published on Nov. 25 to coincide with the annual 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The date was selected to honor the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler.

Fortunately, there is hope in Indonesia.

Prevailing Indonesian regulations, such as the 2022 Sexual Violence Eradication Law and the 2004 Domestic Violence Eradication Law, have laid the foundations for the government and law enforcement to handle cases of violence against women, including by offering protection and assistance as soon as the victims file their reports.

The 2022 law even calls for the establishment of regional technical management units for the protection of women and children, as well as integrated education and training for law enforcement on the handling of sexual violence cases.

Problems, however, persist in the implementation of the laws and in the lack of commitment from authorities to give the victims proper consideration. Justice for victims of gender-based violence can only be achieved if all of their rights are fulfilled and the perpetrators are reliably held accountable and handed just punishments.

We call for zero tolerance of gender-based violence, as well as for femicide to be distinguished from other forms murder in the country’s legal system to provide a greater deterrent effect.