To expand access to healthcare services for victims of violence in archipelagic regions, the IPAS Indonesia Foundation has launched a new initiative in Maluku Province. The project is named ARUMBAE (Empowered Women Free from Violence). ARUMBAE is scheduled to commence in December 2024.
This project aims to develop a service model for women and adolescent girls in Maluku Province that is timely and holistically accessible. Through such services, women are expected to realize their right to be free from both gender-based and sexual violence.
In 2021, a total of 382 cases of violence against women and children were recorded across 11 cities and districts in Maluku Province. The area with the highest incidence of violence cases was Ambon City, with 189 cases.
Although healthcare intervention is a primary focus of the IPAS Indonesia Foundation, ARUMBAE is a distinct project compared to previous programs. This project is specifically designed to create healthcare service interventions tailored to the context of archipelagic regions. This service model is crucial given that Indonesia is an archipelagic nation.
According to the Ministry of Health, equitable access to healthcare in Indonesia remains a challenge, particularly in archipelagic regions. This is evident in the infrastructure, accessibility, number of healthcare personnel, and public awareness.
“The ARUMBAE project aims to bring access closer, in accordance with cultural contexts and geographical conditions. This way, communities, especially women and adolescent girls, gain equitable access to their reproductive rights,” stated the Executive Director of IPAS Indonesia Foundation, Dr. Marcia Soumokil, MPH.
To assess the state of healthcare access for victims of violence, the IPAS Indonesia Foundation team conducted an initial assessment by visiting Ambon City and Central Maluku Regency in January 2025. Our team met with relevant government agencies, community organizations, and held discussions with healthcare professionals.
“During our eight days in Maluku, we met with civil society groups. Indeed, our civil society partners require strengthening in assisting cases of violence,” stated ARUMBAE Project Coordinator, Dian Novita.
Meanwhile, regarding healthcare services, Eliza Permata Sari, Health System Strengthening Advisor for IPAS Indonesia Foundation, stated that the governance of healthcare service provision also remains a challenge. “We hope to accurately map the conditions of violence services in Maluku to develop a project implementation strategy,” Eliza added.
The ARUMBAE project will be implemented in Maluku Province and Central Maluku Regency until 2027. The IPAS Indonesia Foundation will collaborate with the government and civil society groups to implement this project.