The verdict is expected to be a milestone in terms of maximum and fair enforcement of criminal law against every perpetrator of sexual violence.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga has lauded the Supreme Court's verdict rejecting the appeal of Herry Wirawan (HW), who was convicted of raping 13 students in Bandung, West Java, against his death sentence.

"The verdict is expected to be a milestone in terms of maximum and fair enforcement of criminal law against every perpetrator of sexual violence," she said here on Wednesday.

She expressed the hope that the Supreme Court's decision will serve as an example of optimized law enforcement against sexual violence perpetrators.

"This also shows the firmness of the law enforcement institution in eradicating acts of sexual violence crimes," she added.

The minister emphasized that no cases of sexual violence will be tolerated and that the law must be enforced against perpetrators.

Puspayoga said she expects all parties to contribute and build awareness about sexual violence prevention.

"We want sexual violence cases to continue to decline and that is our main goal together. Therefore, it is hoped that all elements of society, (including) individuals, families, communities, organizations, and institutions can contribute and build awareness about sexual violence prevention," she stated.

Earlier, the Supreme Court issued a verdict rejecting Wirawan's appeal against the decision of the Bandung High Court's Panel of Judges, who sentenced him to death and pay restitution of Rp331,527,186 (around US$21,270).

The Bandung High Court also asked Wirawan to provide access to alternative care for nine children of the victims (after obtaining permission from the victims' families and the victims' children).

The court also forfeited Wirawan's assets for meeting the needs of education and living costs of the victims and their babies until they reach adulthood or get married.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs also lauded the Supreme Court's decision rejecting Wirawan's appeal and said it expects that it will serve as a lesson so that similar cases will not occur again, director of Diniyah education and Islamic boarding schools at the ministry, Waryono Abdul Ghafur, said on Tuesday (January 3, 2022).

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Related news: Wirawan rape case: Court orders ministry to pay victims restitution









Translator: Anita D, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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