Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto made the statement in a press releases received here on Tuesday in connection with the stance taken by political party factions in the DPR with regard to a comment made by a supreme court judge candidate regarding the rape issue.
In reply to a question on the need to impose a death penalty on rapists during a fit and proper test at the DPR candidate Daming Sanusi said "consideration needs to be taken thoroughly for the imposition of death penalty for a rapist because in a rape case both the rapist and the victim enjoy it."
Djoko Susilo said strong reactions from women against the candidate was proof that the history of women`s struggle in the Indonesian democracy has not only been started a long time ago but also would still continue to shape the country`s struggle.
"The government feels encouraged to see the strength of public sense of justice. This is proof that gender justice has been part of public ethics in our democracy," he said.
House Commission III chairman I Gede Pasek Suardika said the candidate`s statement was inappropriate and so public rejection of hims would be taken for consideration to elect him.
Commission members from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), Indra, meanwhile recommended against selecting the candidate.
Djoko said "our democracy could not be celebrated unless equal rights and roles for women are assured. We all must take a role to play to assure that Indonesia will never become a nation that denies and ignore the role of women in the history of the country`s struggle."(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
