"The ratification of RUU TPKS will be a present for women that will welcome Kartini Day (on April 21), as most victims of sexual violence are women," Maharani noted in her statement received here on Thursday.
The speaker confirmed that the bill will be finalized at the next DPR RI plenary session after the parliament's legislative body and the government agree on the final draft of the bill during the first deliberative phase on Wednesday (Apr 6).
"The bill will be tabled during the second deliberative phase for its ratification during the next DPR RI plenary session. Our struggle for long will come to its fruition soon," she affirmed.
Maharani noted that the bill is the result of the hard work of stakeholders and will be proof of the government's commitment to fighting for the rights of sexual violence victims and protecting people from sexual violence.
"This is the result of hard work of all national elements that are tireless in their fight for the bill. Activists from various communities, non-governmental organizations, academics, and members of the public (all have played their role)," Maharani remarked.
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The House speaker affirmed that her support for the Sexual Violence Prevention Bill has continued since serving as coordinating minister of human development and cultural affairs from 2014 to 2019 and until now.
The speaker also expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders, who have fought for RUU TPKS.
"I understand that RUU TPKS deliberations had experienced many fluctuations since it was first tabled in 2016, and its finalization will be the success of the Indonesian nation," she stated.
Following its ratification, the Sexual Violence Prevention Law will be the main instrument for the government in addressing sexual violence cases as well as protecting and assisting the recovery of sexual violence victims, Maharani noted.
"The Sexual Violence Prevention Law will be the legal basis to rehabilitate (sexual violence) perpetrators and will become an assurance to prevent sexual violence from recurring as well as our basis to realize a sexual violence-free environment," the speaker remarked.
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Translator: Tri Meilani A, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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