[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
In several villages in Central Java, cases of violence, particularly sexual violence, are often closely guarded secrets. Victims frequently choose to remain silent, generally due to fear and shame. Family support is also scarce, as violence is often considered a disgrace. In silence, many victims bear their wounds without a voice. <\/p>\n
Every victim of violence, wherever they may be, should be able to report to the nearest service safely. This way, they can receive services tailored to their needs and rights. This ‘should-be’ situation is precisely what the ARUNIKA project (Empowered Women Towards a Violence-Free Indonesia) is striving to achieve. <\/p>\n
One strategy to bring services closer to victims is by involving the community as companions for victims of violence.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
\nThe IPAS Indonesia Foundation launched the ARUNIKA project in November 2024, with operational areas in Surakarta City, Semarang Regency, and Sukoharjo Regency, 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.<\/pre>\n<\/blockquote>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
\u201cIn our community, we need individuals who are dedicated to humanitarian work and care about women’s and children’s issues. These cadres are therefore expected to serve as a resource or platform for the community to uphold justice in cases of violence,\u201d said Rulia Iva Dhalina, Staff of LBH APIK Semarang.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ipasindonesiad.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC07852-1024×683-1.jpg” alt=”Ruli, in her office at LBH APIK Semarang.” title_text=”DSC07852-1024×683″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Teks” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Rulia Iva Dhalina, affectionately known as Ruli, added that there are already 40 cadres (as of December 2025) in two sub-districts in Semarang Regency who are their partners. These cadres are part of two communities: the Arkasa community in Bergas Lor Sub-district and Justisia Arunika in Panjang Sub-district. <\/p>\n
LBH APIK Semarang began recruiting these 40 cadres in November 2024. In the initial stage, Rulia coordinated with sub-district staff, who then provided names of potential cadres to join the communities. Subsequently, Ruli contacted the candidates to confirm their willingness and commitment. <\/p>\n
Strengthening Cadre Capacity Through Training<\/strong><\/p>\n
All cadres in these two communities completed a two-day full training session during March-April 2025, using the ‘Warga Bisa Desa Bisa’ module developed by LBH APIK Semarang. The module content included gender, counseling, first aid for victims of violence, and practical assistance. <\/p>\n
\u201cInitially, most cadres did not understand gender-based violence. They also lacked understanding of gender inequality,\u201d Ruli recalled.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ipasindonesiad.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Foto-1-1024×768-1.jpg” alt=”Training participants in a simulated sexual violence court session. Photo by LBH APIK Semarang. ” title_text=”Foto-1-1024×768″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
This training was conducted using highly interactive methods, ranging from presentations and discussions to simulations. Participants were invited to role-play counseling victims. Additionally, they simulated how to navigate court proceedings for a case. <\/p>\n
One of the training participants, Sri Wahyuni, stated that the material provided had broadened her understanding of reproductive health and gender issues, which she had not previously known about.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis training opened my eyes to everything from reproductive health to violence against women and the legal aspects involved,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
After the training, the cadres held bimonthly discussions. They shared experiences on how to assist in cases of violence within their respective communities. <\/p>\n
Mutual Assistance as Cadre Strength<\/strong><\/p>\n
Ruli acknowledged that LBH APIK Semarang cannot work alone in assisting victims of violence. Therefore, although this is a relatively new initiative, the involvement of cadres was undertaken after careful consideration. <\/p>\n
One consideration is to improve access. For instance, victims do not need to report to the city but can contact the cadres in their sub-districts. Previously, people typically reported to LBH APIK Semarang, located in Semarang City, which is quite far from the villages.<\/p>\n
\u201cFurthermore, with cadres in place, it is hoped that they can proactively reach out to victims. This means victims do not necessarily have to come to the community centers or secretariats. This also serves as a breakthrough to increase community awareness of violence and injustice, making it easier for them to access justice themselves,\u201d she emphasized.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ipasindonesiad.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/foto-2-1024×768-1.jpg” alt=”One of the sessions in the community cadre training. Photo by LBH APIK Semarang. ” title_text=”foto-2-1024×768″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
According to Ruli, the key takeaway from strengthening capacity comes from the cadres’ own spirit of mutual assistance. This way, they can and voluntarily become part of the support system for violence cases in their villages. <\/p>\n
\u201cIndeed, with citizens helping citizens or residents assisting residents here, the cadres can implement what they have learned. If it’s just theory without practice, it will be lost. But they also have a calling to provide assistance,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n
Since the completion of the training in May 2025, the two communities have assisted two victims.<\/p>\n
How can this training strengthen cadres in assisting victims of violence? Read the story here. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In several villages in Central Java, cases of violence, particularly sexual violence, are often closely guarded secrets. Victims frequently choose to remain silent, generally due to fear and shame. Family support is also scarce, as violence is often considered a disgrace. In silence, many victims bear their wounds without a voice. Every victim of violence, wherever they may be, should be able to report to the nearest service safely. This way, they can receive services tailored to their needs and rights. This ‘should-be’ situation is precisely what the ARUNIKA project (Empowered Women Towards a Violence-Free Indonesia) is striving to achieve. One strategy to bring services closer to victims is by involving the community as companions for victims of violence.The IPAS Indonesia Foundation launched the ARUNIKA project in November 2024, with operational areas in Surakarta City, Semarang Regency, and Sukoharjo Regency, 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. \u201cIn our community, we need individuals who are dedicated to humanitarian work and care about women’s and children’s issues. These cadres are therefore expected to serve as a resource or platform for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3519,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[155],"tags":[],"topic":[],"class_list":["post-3518","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3518","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3518"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3518\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3519"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3518"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3518"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3518"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=3518"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}