It is expected that this case will set a precedent so that the state will not hesitate to give maximum punishment to perpetrators of crimes against children.
Bandung, West Java (ANTARA) - The Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry has commended the Supreme Court's decision to reject the appeal of death row convict Herry Wirawan, saying such sanctions would ensure justice for the victims.

"On behalf of the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry, we express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has followed up on the HW (Herry Wirawan) case," Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga said in Bandung city on Monday.

Minister Puspayoga informed that a coordination meeting on the Supreme Court decision was hosted on Monday, and it was facilitated by West Java chief prosecutor Asep N. Mulyana.

"The Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry refers to the Child Protection Act and Law Number 12 of 2022 about Sexual Violence Crime, receiving a mandate from the state to conduct periodic cross-sectoral coordination for prevention," she said.

She further said she expects Wirawan's case to serve as an example of good collaboration while handling other cases, beginning from the process of investigation, assistance, and detention, to court decision.

She also expressed her utmost gratitude to the chief prosecutor for taking the time to pursue the justice that the victims longed for.

West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil said that the rejection of the appeal could provide a sense of justice and set an example so that the state does not hesitate to give the maximum punishment to perpetrators of crimes against women and children.

"It is expected that this case will set a precedent so that the state will not hesitate to give maximum punishment to perpetrators of crimes against children who should (lead) this nation's future with good and (best) psyche," he added.

The West Java provincial government has demonstrated its readiness to follow up on the case by confiscating and auctioning the perpetrator's assets to cover the living expenses of the victims and the babies born to the victims, he said.

"We (the provincial government) are ready to report the transfer of assets which will be auctioned and the results will go into the state treasury at the West Java government. The state money will be fully used for the benefit of the victims whom we must handle on physical, psychological, and everyday aspects," he highlighted.

Kamil emphasized that the West Java government and other relevant institutions will prepare child protection-children born to the defendant and this will be a top priority.


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Translator: Ajat Sudrajat, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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