2-8-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesia has implemented new regulations that grant the police sole authority to approve abortions for rape victims. The controversial rules, which came into effect this week, mark a significant shift in the country’s approach to handling such sensitive cases.
Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, maintains a strict stance on abortion, permitting the procedure only in cases of medical emergencies or rape. The new regulations, however, introduce an additional hurdle for rape victims seeking to terminate pregnancies resulting from their assault.
Under the revised guidelines, women must now obtain a specific document from the police to be recognised as rape victims. This represents a departure from the previous system, which allowed medical professionals and psychologists to issue such documentation. The change has raised concerns about potential barriers to access and the psychological impact on victims.
Critics argue that the new rules fail to consider the complexities surrounding rape cases and may discourage victims from coming forward. Maidina Rahmawati, a representative from the Indonesian Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (ICJR), highlighted the lack of internal police regulations concerning specific assistance for rape victims. She noted the absence of provisions for emergency contraception, safe abortion services, and specialised training for officers dealing with such cases.
The cultural context in Indonesia, where abortion remains a taboo subject, adds another layer of complexity to the issue. Women’s rights activists fear that the regulatory change could further deter rape victims from seeking help from authorities.
Olin Monteiro, a member of the Jakarta Feminist group, expressed concern about the impact of cultural norms and religious values on women’s access to reproductive rights. “These values hinder women from accessing services when they have the right to terminate a pregnancy,” she stated. “This regulation means that victims only have one choice. They have to go to the police. It’s very limiting.”
The new rules have sparked a call for revision from various rights groups, who argue that the changes represent a regression in support for rape victims. Tunggal Pawestri, a prominent women’s activist, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Instead of really supporting the victims of rape, I think this will be a regression.”
