Any issue must also be discussed with the House of Representatives before being formulated."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called on several ministers to give priority to addressing sexual offenses, with strict sanctions to be imposed on the perpetrators.

"We must impose a strict punishment on individuals or a group of people found guilty of such acts, otherwise similar cases will recur," Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung stated at the Presidential Palace Complex here, Monday.

The cabinet secretary called for the imposition of firm legal sanctions and penalties, such as gelding punishment for the perpetrators.

Pramono said President Jokowi had already instructed the coordinating minister for human development and culture, minister for women empowerment and child protection, and minister for legal and human rights to immediately prioritize addressing sexual crimes.

Anung noted that President Jokowi wanted cases of sexual violence against children to be dealt in a better and more serious manner.

Pramono remarked that the government was also pushing regulations related to addressing and handling sexual crime cases to be included in the National Legislation Program.

"Any issue must also be discussed with the House of Representatives before being formulated," Anung added.

Social Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa had earlier stated that the emasculation of sex offenders was also contained in the bill, and it was due to be signed by the relevant minister in the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture.

"Currently, there are two drafts in this bill, which are to impose the castration punishment to lower the libido or to award a life or death sentence. At present, the bill is awaiting the approval of the other related minister," Khofifah noted in Bengkulu, Friday (May 6).

The government is tasked with formulating laws and public policies to protect children and women in line with the responsibility of every citizen of the nation.

(Reporting by Agus Salim/Uu.INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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