Initially, I lacked confidence. I needed to fully understand the information I was going to convey, to know it in depth, and to be familiar with the content I intended to share.
Sri Wahyuni, a Community Cadre in Semarang Regency, Central Java.
Sri is one of 20 residents who are members of the Arkasa community. This group, located in Bergas Lor Village, Bergas District, Semarang Regency, Central Java, is trained to assist victims of violence.
For Sri, issues of violence, such as Domestic Violence (KDRT), are not unfamiliar. Many residents, especially women, often confide in her. This is due to Sri’s active involvement as a PKK member since 2010. Ten years later, she became the Head of PKK.
“Before Arkasa was established, there was a significant amount of violence in Bergas Lor Village. However, these cases were not properly addressed, and people did not know how to provide assistance. Why? Because we ourselves did not know where to direct these cases of violence,” Sri recalled.
However, she admitted to frequently receiving complaints from her residents. “Sometimes residents confide in me, but their confidences cannot be shared with anyone. As a result, cases of violence were handled discreetly,” she asserted.
The IPAS Indonesia Foundation launched the ARUNIKA project (Empowered Women Towards a Violence-Free Indonesia) in November 2024, with operational areas in Surakarta City, Semarang Regency, and Sukoharjo Regency in Central Java Province. ARUNIKA aims to improve access to quality services for violence against women and children. LBH APIK Semarang is one of the partners in this project.
The Establishment of Arkasa
Arkasa was established in February 2025, initiated by IPAS Indonesia Foundation’s partner, LBH APIK Semarang, through the ARUNIKA project.
For Sri, Arkasa is interpreted as representing strong and resilient individuals. She hopes that with the Arkasa community, residents in her village will be resilient in confronting violence and strong in preventing and handling cases of violence.
At the outset of Arkasa’s formation, Sri was contacted by the village authorities. Subsequently, Sri expressed her willingness to coordinate with LBH APIK Semarang. Sri’s initial task was to recruit other members to join Arkasa. To date, the community comprises 20 members.
“Recruiting members is not easy. For instance, if individuals are not committed, we cannot impose on their time. We prioritize finding people who are capable and willing, and then we form the group,” Sri recalled.
Following its establishment, Sri and 19 Arkasa members underwent training provided by LBH APIK Semarang, covering gender fundamentals, violence, and victim assistance methodologies. After the training, they participated in bimonthly meetings to share experiences and discuss challenges in case management.
“The training broadened my understanding of reproductive health. Furthermore, we participated in court simulations and were trained on case assistance, for instance, to ensure confidentiality. We acquired all this knowledge from them,” she stated.
From Training to Case Assistance
Since the training, Sri has reported handling two cases of violence between May and October 2025, both involving domestic violence. These cases are still undergoing the assistance process, tailored to the victims’ preferences. She continues to coordinate with LBH APIK Semarang for cases requiring further support.
“This is my first time assisting victims of violence. I still feel nervous, wondering if I can do it. I have never interacted directly with individuals from legal institutions, and I am concerned about misspeaking,” she revealed.
Despite her lingering lack of confidence, Sri chose to pursue this path. To introduce Arkasa and address the issue of violence, she frequently held meetings with residents to educate them on the importance of understanding this issue and how to access assistance in cases of violence. Between June and August 2025, Sri and Arkasa conducted 13 meetings to raise awareness about violence.
From Sri, we learn that compassion can drive continuous learning. Despite her hesitation, she was willing and committed to addressing the issue of violence. She is living proof that change begins with an individual’s courage to participate. Sri is not merely a cadre; she represents hope for other women who are still struggling in silence.