Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi said law enforcement should apply all relevant statutes to ensure firm legal action in the Denpasar case.
She said the suspect could be charged under the 2022 Sexual Violence Crimes Law, the 2023 Criminal Code, and the 2024 amendment to the Electronic Information and Transactions Law.
Fauzi stressed that sexual violence against children cannot be resolved through mediation or other out-of-court settlements, regardless of pressure from perpetrators or surrounding communities.
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“There is no concept of consent here, because children are legally incapable of giving it. Any sexual violence against children must be processed through the justice system,” she said.
The minister said abuse in schools reflects a serious misuse of power and trust between educators and students, making such crimes particularly damaging and difficult to uncover.
Perpetrators, she said, often exploit authority to groom victims and normalize abusive behavior, while victims face fear, confusion and psychological pressure that discourages reporting.
Fauzi said child victims can suffer lasting trauma, anxiety, loss of self-confidence and learning disruptions, with impacts extending well beyond the immediate incident.
She added that victim assistance must prioritize psychological recovery, identity protection and sustained support to prevent short-term trauma from developing into long-term mental health problems.
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Translator: Anita, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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