“Currently, we are waiting for an invitation for further discussion from the House of Representatives," Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati said at a webinar accessed from here on Tuesday.
In less than two weeks after the acceptance of the academic manuscript and the Sexual Violence Crime Bill by the House of Representatives, the government completed and submitted the Problem Inventory List to the House for further discussion, she informed.
"We could do this immediately because we had gathered various suggestions from ministries and agencies, regional governments, service provider forums, civil society networks, academics, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and community leaders," she explained.
She said the bill is very important for protecting women and children from sexual violence.
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She also emphasized that the ratification of the bill cannot be delayed any longer because, on the basis of its preparation, it has met the requirements from the philosophical, sociological, and juridical standpoints.
She said she expected the bill would not be a formality, but actually be implemented thoroughly.
"In the future, let us together (stick to our) commitment to overseeing the Sexual Violence Crime Bill until it is ratified, implemented, and has its derivative regulations issued," she added.
The Sexual Violence Criminal Act Bill was conceived in 2016. However, it has yet to be ratified. Several groups have urged the government to immediately pass the bill in the wake of many sexual violence victims speaking up about their experience.
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Translator: Anita P D, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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