It (the violence) also includes looking at the victim with sexual nuances.Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Religious Affairs Ministry issued Regulation of Religious Affairs Minister (PMA) Number 73 of 2022 on the Handling and Prevention of Sexual Violence in Education Institutions under its auspice, encompassing formal, informal, and non-formal ones.
The PMA was inked by Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on October 5, 2022, and came into effect from the following day, the ministry's spokesperson, Anna Hasbie, stated here on Thursday.
"After going through a long discussion, we are grateful that the PMA on the Handling and Prevention of Sexual Violence in Education Institutions under the auspice of the Religious Affairs Ministry had finally been published and had come into effect as of October 6, 2022," she remarked.
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There are 20 articles in the regulation that discuss the type, prevention, handling, reporting, and sanctions of sexual violence.
The types of sexual violence mentioned in the PMA comprise inappropriate acts committed verbally and physically in person as well as virtually through communication and informatics technology.
There are 16 types of sexual violence in the regulation, including passing comments that discriminate or harass on the basis of the victim's physical appearance, body condition, or gender identity.
"Passing remarks that contain seductive tones and (making inappropriate) jokes or whistling with sexual nuances targeted at the victim are also considered as forms of sexual violence. It (the violence) also includes looking at the victim with sexual nuances," Hasbie stated.
As a preventive step, the rule requires educational institutions to conduct dissemination, develop learning curriculum, and coordinate with related parties, such as ministries, institutions, local governments, other educational units, the community, and the parents, to prevent sexual violence.
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Regarding the handling, the PMA regulates the reporting of violence; protection and assistance for victims, witnesses, people reporting violence, and minor perpetrators; prosecution of perpetrators; as well as the recovery of victims, the spokesperson noted.
The regulation stipulates that perpetrators will be subject to criminal law and administrative sanctions.
Furthermore, the ministry will immediately ready several technical rules to support effective implementation of the PMA.
The Religious Affairs Ministry expected that the regulation will serve as a common guide for all education stakeholders to prevent and handle sexual violence.
"Hopefully, no other incidents of sexual violence (will take place) in education units in future," Hasbie added.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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