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Written by Ghera Imroatusshalihah, Winner of the IPAS Indonesia Foundation’s Reproductive Justice Writing Competition.<\/p>\n
The policy regarding abortion for victims of sexual violence in Indonesia seemed to be a breath of fresh air with the issuance of Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 concerning Health. This regulation provides an exception for victims of rape and other acts of sexual violence to undergo abortion, with a gestational limit not exceeding 14 weeks. However, in social reality, the implementation of this policy is far from ideal. Many women do not understand their reproductive rights, especially in the context of abortion. The rights that should grant them control over their own bodies are often obscured by the shadows of patriarchy, myths, and restrictive social stigmas. <\/p>\n
The main obstacle women face in asserting their reproductive rights is the dominance of patriarchy, deeply rooted in culture and social systems. This patriarchy is often supported by myths passed down through generations. One of the most detrimental myths is the assumption that every woman possesses an inherent maternal instinct. This view is then used to judge women who choose abortion, as if they are denying their natural role as mothers. In reality, the decision to undergo an abortion for victims of sexual violence is not merely about avoiding responsibility, but rather an effort to save themselves from the layered trauma they must endure. <\/p>\n
Furthermore, pressure from family and society also makes it difficult for women to fight for their reproductive rights. Many victims of sexual violence are even forced to marry their perpetrators as a form of “responsibility.” These marriages are often conducted without considering the victims’ mental and physical readiness, ultimately prolonging their suffering. As stated by Ester Lianawati in her book Akhir Pejantanan Dunia, women are often represented as passive objects, merely empty vessels or land ready to be cultivated, without control over their own bodies and lives. <\/p>\n
The reality of this reproductive injustice can be seen in the story of a woman I know closely. This victim of sexual violence, who was still 17 years old, was forced into marriage due to family and societal pressure. The marriage, which should have been a solution, instead became the beginning of new suffering. Her husband refused to work and relied solely on his parents, while the victim had to earn a living to support her child. The overwhelming burden forced her to migrate for work, until she eventually suffered an accident that broke her leg. Without funds for medical treatment, she had to spend the rest of her life bedridden, while society continued to judge her. Ironically, women in Indonesia still feel ashamed to purchase contraception, yet at the same time, they are not given fair choices in regulating their own bodies. <\/p>\n
Given the complexity of this issue, reproductive justice should begin from the most fundamental environment: the family. Comprehensive sexual education must be instilled from an early age so that women can understand their rights and develop a collective awareness to combat existing stigmas. Society also needs to change its perspective on reproductive issues, no longer viewing them as taboo, but rather as a fundamental human right. <\/p>\n
Reproductive justice for women is not only about access to reproductive health services, but also about providing choices that are entirely in the hands of women themselves. No woman should be forced to accept decisions against her will, especially when such decisions stem from the violence they have experienced. Therefore, the state and society have a responsibility to provide recovery services that include social rehabilitation, economic empowerment, and social reintegration for victims of sexual violence. In this way, they can make clear and empowered decisions about their own bodies and lives. <\/p>\n
If reproductive justice continues to be neglected, women will become increasingly marginalized, not only in the social sphere but also in decisions concerning their own bodies and futures. Society must stop viewing reproductive rights as merely a moral issue and begin to understand that this is a matter of justice and humanity. By providing women with viable choices and supporting them in every decision they make, we can create a more just world for all. <\/p>\n
References<\/p>\n
Lianawati, E. (2022). Akhir Pejantanan Dunia. Jakarta: EA Books. <\/p>\n
Komnas Perempuan. (2024). Komnas Perempuan’s Statement of Position on Abortion Provisions for Victims of Sexual Violence in Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 concerning Health. Accessed from https:\/\/komnasperempuan.go.id\/pernyataan-sikap-detail\/pernyataan-sikap-komnas-perempuan-terhadap-ketentuan-aborsi-bagi-korban-tindak-pidana-kekerasan-seksual-dalam-pp-no-28-tahun-2024-tentang-kesehatan. <\/p>\n
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