VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Screenshot of Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Bintang Puspayoga speaking during an online dialog about sexual violence prevention in universities in Jakarta on November 12, 2021. ANTARA/Devi Nindy - 

Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga reminded the public of the urgency of the sexual violence prevention bill and sought support for the bill's ratification to be completed by year-end.

"We are optimistic that the public would support the sexual violence prevention bill that we have fought for since 2016 to be ratified by year-end," Puspayoga stated during an online discussion on social media crimes and family resilience on Saturday.

Puspayoga informed that the ministry, through a task force established to manage the bill, had intensified efforts in coordinating the deliberation of the bill with the House of Representatives (DPR RI) and monitoring the bill's progress in parliament.

The minister reiterated the need for support, collaboration, and synergy with members of the public and relevant parties to fulfil the ministry's duty of empowering women and protecting children in Indonesia.

"We also appeal to audiences, with a position in authority, to ensure that their subordinates have received education on prevention of sexual violence and establish a mechanism to protect women from online-based gender violence," she remarked.

The minister reminded the people to protect one another, particularly their family members, as future technological developments might unleash a new modus operandi for online violence.

"Hence, we must hold each other's hands in creating our common future, which is a women- and child-friendly environment, either in the physical realm or digital world," she remarked.

Puspayoga also encouraged the public to facilitate women and children in learning new technology and gaining digital knowledge, thereby enabling them to develop their skills and stand for themselves now and in the future//ANT