IPAS Indonesia Foundation held an awareness-raising activity as an initial step for the implementation of the ARUNIKA project from December 17-19, 2024. This activity was conducted in Semarang Regency, Sukoharjo, and Surakarta City, Central Java Province. Previously, the project was launched on November 12, 2024, in Semarang City.
“This activity also marks the inaugural event for our implementing partners to introduce their institutions and their roles in the ARUNIKA project. It represents a transition from activities previously implemented directly by IPAS, such as the baseline and launching, now culminating in the socialization of the implementation plan,” stated Jaclyn Kaunang, ARUNIKA Project Coordinator and Community Access and Mobilization Specialist for IPAS Indonesia Foundation.
She added that the activity was attended by government representatives, including the Department of Women’s Empowerment, the Health Department, village officials, communities, and IPAS Indonesia Foundation partners for the ARUNIKA project, SPEK-HAM and LBH APIK Semarang. A total of 81 participants attended this event.
This awareness-raising activity specifically focused on planning the main activities to support the ARUNIKA project, particularly for its two partners. Participants were also involved in providing input for the planning of these two partners.
“IPAS Foundation and the two ARUNIKA project partners, SPEK-HAM and LBH APIK Semarang, are equal in standing for implementing this project. Nevertheless, IPAS Indonesia Foundation will focus more on national-level activities and strengthening the health system. Meanwhile, our two partners will focus on their respective regional levels,” she added.
Following an agreement on the activity plan, participants also discussed monitoring arrangements to oversee the project’s implementation.
“With planning already in place, Community Health Centers are ready to collaborate with village communities and the Health Department,” stated Dr. Henny Puspitosari, Head of the Kartasura District Community Health Center, Sukoharjo.
Meanwhile, Hendrik Febrianto, Head of the Women and Children Protection Unit (PPA) of Semarang Regency Police, stated that regarding the ARUNIKA project planning, some police officers have not yet received training on handling violence.
“However, there has been progress within the community, where they are willing to report. But police resources are not yet evenly distributed,” he revealed.
The ARUNIKA project aims to support mechanisms for handling violence cases, especially sexual violence and other gender-based violence, in accordance with Indonesian regulations. This project is carried out in three regencies in Central Java: Sukoharjo, Semarang, and Surakarta.