"We strongly condemn all forms of sexual violence," said the deputy for the protection of women's rights at the ministry, Ratna Susianawati, in a statement issued here on Wednesday.
"Moreover, the action was carried out by one of the female perpetrators who was supposed to protect the honor of the victims who were also women," she added.
After receiving the report, the PPPA Ministry, she said, immediately coordinated with the related parties, such as Kompolnas, Unand PPKS Task Force, and West Sumatra UPTD PPA.
This was done to ensure that the case would be handled immediately and the victims would receive prompt assistance, both psychologically and through the legal process.
Susianawati lauded the victims for summoning the courage to report the sexual violence they experienced.
She also praised the quick response of the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PPKS) of Andalas University, which immediately accompanied the victims after receiving their reports.
The police have so far examined 11 witnesses in connection with the case.
"Many victims of sexual violence don't dare to report it because cases like this are still considered disgraceful or taboo," said Susianawati.
"They are often even blamed and experience revictimized," she added.
The two perpetrators involved in the incident were Andalas University students. One of the perpetrators was a female student who knew the victims quite well.
In carrying out the action, the female perpetrator allegedly took photos and recorded videos of the victims’ body parts.
She argued that the action was carried out at the orders of another perpetrator—her boyfriend.
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Translator: Anita Permata Dewi, Katriana
Editor: Anton Santoso
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